PhD Student (m/f/d) – Collaborative Research Center „Iron upgraded“

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 a

to commence as soon as possible. The position is for three years. The successful candidate will work at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion in Mülheim a.d.Ruhr

About the project concept:

The CRC 1487 “Iron, upgraded!” is based in the Department of Chemistry and brings together interdisciplinary research from chemistry with further participation from materials science, mechanical engineering, and physics. The CRC 1487 addresses a fundamental question: How does the chemical environment of iron affect its properties? A fundamental understanding of this question will enable iron to be developed for new fields of application in the long term, replacing critical or rare elements such as platinum or neodymium. With this research, the CRC contributes to resource conservation and sustainability. You can find more detailed information about CRC 1487 on the homepage

http://www.chemie.tu-darmstadt.de/iron-upgraded.

In the CRC 1487, you will work in an interdisciplinary and international team that thrives on different perspectives and experiences. The participating groups are closely networked, and there are also many opportunities for cooperation both locally and internationally. In addition, the CRC offers stays abroad and supports doctoral students with a wide range of training opportunities, including qualifications in research data management.

We place particular importance on an appreciative, supportive team culture that focuses on collaborative work, open dialogue, and mutual encouragement. We view research as a cooperative process and create an environment in which different backgrounds, working methods, and career paths can be productively integrated and further developed. We particularly welcome applications from women, people with a migration background, people with disabilities, first-generation academics, and trans*, inter*, and queer individuals. The compatibility of work and family life is an important value within the CRC.

Your responsibilities in subproject A08:

• Providing in-depth structural insights into the real and working structures of iron based oxides for selective oxidation catalysts.
• Performing multi-modal analytics comprising high-resolution TEM (EELS, EDX), PALS, PDF, operando SEM.
• Applying and participation at beamtimes for near ambient pressure X-ray spectroscopy at synchrotron facilities, such as BESSY II.

Your profile:

• An excellent Master degree in inorganic solid state chemistry, physics or material science
• Proficient in the structural characterization of functional materials using different techniques
• Hands-on-experience in modern aberration corrected transmission electron microscopes and/or scanning electron microscopes
• Expertise in the synthesis of solid-state materials and heterogeneous catalysis is of advantage
• Ability to learn and implement new techniques quickly
• Open-minded, team-oriented pragmatic, and solution-oriented character
• Highly motivated in planning, conducting, and evaluating experiments
• Ability to read and write research papers in English, present scientific findings and take part in team discussions in English.
• A proactive approach to collaborative learning and teaching is essential. We emphasize communication within the CRC and are looking for new members who appreciate collegial exchange.
• We expect active commitment to the CRC through contributions to organizational tasks, the presentation of research results, and scientific publications.
• 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 28.06.2026 using the application portal of the University of Bayreuth, stating the password “Iron Upgraded”. 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)