Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d)

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive and interdisciplinary profile fields in research and teaching. At the chair of Inorganic Active Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage (Prof. Dr. Matteo Bianchini) the following temporary position is available, starting in January 2026 or soon thereafter:

German salary scale TV-L E13
Topic: Computational Investigation of Battery Materials (development of thermo-kinetic phase diagrams based on ab initio computations and in situ x-ray diffraction)

We are looking for an excellent postdoctoral researcher to integrate our group at the Bavarian Center for Battery Technology (BayBatt, University of Bayreuth).

Your tasks:

The research work will deal with the Computational Investigation of Battery Materials, in strict collaboration with the ERC-funded 4SBATT project. To reach its goals, the project aims to explore various chemical spaces in order to identify the most promising candidate materials to be used as electrodes and as electrolytes. Such exploration will be based on phase diagrams computed from ab initio simulations (density functional theory) to understand materials stability and enriched with experimental inputs to understand materials synthesizability; these inputs coming from in situ x-ray diffraction, carried out in our lab, will yield information related to kinetic aspects during the synthesis of materials.

Your profile:

This postdoctoral position specifically deals with computational aspects. PhD holders (m/f/d) with a background in inorganic/physical chemistry, materials science or physics are particularly welcome to apply. However, strong a priori knowledge of quantum chemical methods (DFT) and ab initio computations is a mandatory prerequisite. Knowledge of batteries and electrochemistry is a plus.

The aim is to build a diverse and inclusive research group, hence open-minded and free-thinking individuals are welcome.

The initial contract is for 2 years with the prospect for further extension.

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Network "Familie in der Hochschule e.V.", and has successfully participated in the HRK audit "Internationalization of the University". Persons with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Please apply online with your CV, BsC/MsC transcripts and cover letter specific to this position by 30^th September 2025 using the key word “Computational Postdoc Inorganic Active Materials” via the application portal of the University of Bayreuth. The documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection requirements once the position has been filled.

For further information about the position, about our group or about the chair, please contact Prof. Dr. Matteo Bianchini (matteo.bianchini@uni-bayreuth.de or visit www.bianchini.uni-bayreuth.de).