Junior Principal Investigator (m/f/d) in Battery Science or Battery Engineering - Open Topic

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. The Bavarian Center for Battery Technology (BayBatt) is currently seeking to appoint a

to commence as soon as possible. This is a fixed-term civil service position for 3 years, with the possibility of extension to 6 years upon a positive evaluation. Remuneration is paid according to salary grade A13.

BayBatt is a central research institute of the University of Bayreuth. It 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. The research focuses on safe high-performance materials, interface phenomena and transport processes, smart batteries and interconnected storage systems, and covers all size scales of battery research from the atomistic structure to particles, cell components and cells, battery modules and battery systems, right through to the higher-level energy system.

We’re looking for a highly motivated scholar (f/m/x) with an original research project in the field of batteries that s/he wants to address while working at BayBatt. A strong background in battery science or battery engineering is expected. A mentor will be chosen based on your research proposal. As Junior Principal Investigator, you will have the opportunity to further develop and sharpen your research profile. The position will enable you to compete successfully in high-ranking funding programs and increase your chances of obtaining a professorship.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop a cutting-edge research agenda within BayBatt based on your research proposal
• Build and manage an independent research group
• Establish cooperation within and outside BayBatt
• Teaching of 5 hours per week/ semester in the master’s program Battery Materials & Technology
• The opening of a habilitation process (post-doctoral lecturing qualification) is expected

Your profile:

• Ph. D. – with excellent results.
• Experience in battery research
• Early career researcher (completion of PhD max. 5 years ago)
• Postdoc experience and experience in supervising students is an advantage

What you can expect:

• (Co-)Funding for a doctoral student for six years
• An annual research budget
• Access to central key-labs with a broad repertoire of state-of-the-art analytics
• Additional support by BayBatt for hosting of guests or instrumentation
• Possibility to join qualification programs for junior scholars at the University of Bayreuth’s WiN Academy
• A stimulating scientific environment to develop a career in battery science or engineering
• A supportive, interdisciplinary, and international team in an exciting research field with plenty of creativity
• A family-friendly working environment with flexible working hours and opportunities for professional and personal development

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.

Applications should be addressed to the BayBatt Board of Directors. Please apply online with detailed application documents by 13.10.2024 using the application portal of the University of Bayreuth, stating the password “JPI BayBatt”. The following application documents should be submitted:

• Cover letter
• CV outlining education and academic career
• List of publications, highlighting your publications related to batteries as well as your top three publications
• Copies of all relevant diplomas and certificates
• Names of two reference persons that we are allowed to contact
• Research proposal (max. 3 pages) related to BayBatt, including expected results and benefits for BayBatt

Application documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection law following the conclusion of the appointment process.

If you have any questions, please contact: Dr. Maike Brütting, coordinator (baybatt@uni-bayreuth.de, phone: +49 921 55-4907)