PhD Position (m/f/d: Materials for the Future of Energy – Structural Characterization in Nuclear Fusion (Mission Kernfusion)

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. The Chair of Operando-Analytics for Electrochemical Energy Storage is part of Bavarian Center for Battery Technology (BayBatt). BayBatt brings together battery-specific expertise in physics and chemistry, material science and engineering, as well as information technology and economics as a supra-regional competence center located in Bayreuth.

We are currently seeking to appoint a

to commence as soon as possible for the structural characterization of plasma facing compounds in nuclear fusion reactors. The position (E 13 TV-L, 50 %) is initially limited to one year to define the project. The project is supported by the initiative “Mission Kernfusion” of the Federal State of Bavaria.

Your responsibilities:

• Interdisciplinary work on plasma facing compounds for nuclear fusion reactors within in a strong team
• Structural analysis and synthesis of plasma facing compounds for nuclear fusion reactors
• Synthesis of inorganic composite materials
• Participating in measurement trips to expose the composites to high energy radiation and explore the structural stability in situ.
• Utilization of modern test equipment, e.g. electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction, X-ray spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, pair distribution functional analysis
• Generating unprecedented insights into the structural stability of plasma facing compounds for nuclear fusion reactors
• Teaching support

Your profile:

• An excellent Master degree in inorganic solid state chemistry or material science
• Expertise the preparation of high-temperature composite
• Hands-on-experience with one of the above-mentioned analytical techniques and related data analysis preferable electron microscopy
• Knowledge in local structure characterization using modern aberration corrected transmission electron microscopes and/or scanning electron microscopes
• Open-minded, team-oriented pragmatic, and solution-oriented character
• Highly motivated in planning, conducting, and evaluating experiments
• Excellent communication skills (talking and writing), also in English

What you can expect:

• Constructive working atmosphere in an international team
• Forward-looking and state of the art subject areas
• Modern working conditions in a creative working environment
• Flexible working hours
• University health management
• Compatibility of family and career

The University of Bayreuth views the diversity of its staff as an asset and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Female scholars and any persons who can help make the research and teaching profile of the university more diverse are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are highly welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the best practice club Family at University. In addition, an extended audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) returned a favourable review for the University of Bayreuth’s commitment to internationalization. All qualifications being equal, applicants with disabilities will be given priority.

Please apply online with detailed application documents by 31.03.2026 using the application portal of the University of Bayreuth, stating the password “Fusion reactors”. Application documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection law following the conclusion of the appointment process. Only candidates who are invited for an interview will receive a response.

If you have any questions, please contact: Prof. Dr. Thomas Lunkenbein, Chair of Operando-Analytics for Electrochemical Energy Storage (operando@uni-bayreuth.de)