PhD Position - Sulfide-based solid electrolyte materials for battery applications

Your Job:

The widespread adoption of Li-ion batteries can be found in devices ranging from small personal electronics to larger battery banks used in electric vehicles and stationary energy storage for renewable energy. These batteries, although having large capacities have the inherent disadvantage of being a fire hazard leading to a high risk of catastrophic failure. Novel solid-state batteries represent a possible route for the next generation of electrochemical energy storage devices due to their higher stability, longer lifetime, and high energy density. Out of the potential candidates for solid-state electrolytes, sulfide-based materials are promising due to their high ionic conductivity and good processability. However, due to the relatively narrow electrochemical window of these materials, compatibility with electrodes is challenging. You will synthesize sulfide-based electrolytes for solid-state batteries and characterize them electrochemically and in material science. The correlation between structure and electrochemical performance is one of the main focuses of the dissertation. The produced materials will be used as electrolytes in solid state batteries to evaluate and further optimize their electrochemical properties. Electrolyte-electrode interfacial engineering will be conducted, including but not limited to surface coating/deposition methods. Your tasks in detail:

• Literature review of state-of-the-art battery research
  
• Synthesis of sulfide-based electrolytes for battery applications
  
• Characterizing material properties and electrochemical properties using, for example, SEM-EDS, XRD, EIS, CV, etc.
  
• Surface modification by ALD or PVD
  
• Battery assembly and tests
  
• Present activities and results in internal memos, public presentations, and scientific publications

Your Profile:

• Excellent masters degree in materials science, physics, engineering, chemistry or other related fields
  
• Experience and knowledge in electrochemistry
  
• Strong interest in a practical research environment
  
• Excellent in cooperation and communication for teamwork
  
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
  
• Excellent in writing and speaking of English

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
  
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  
• Extensive company health management
  
• Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
  
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
  
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.