Scientific employee with the opportunity to graduate as PhD (f/m/d)on in-situ NMR spectroscopy in Battery Science

The Junior Research Group Grüninger at the Bavarian Center for Battery Technology (BayBatt) at the University of Bayreuth offers a position as

to commence at the earliest opportunity. BayBatt (www.baybatt.uni-bayreuth.de/en) is a cutting-edge scientific institute of the University of Bayreuth teaming up 20 professors working on batteries. The State of Bavaria strongly supports BayBatt within its Hightech Agenda and further highly ranked research grants of the German government have already been awarded. 

BayBatt combines the interdisciplinary battery-specific expertise of the University of Bayreuth all the way from physics and chemistry to materials science, engineering, computer science, and finally to economics. The research focuses on safe high-performance materials, interface phenomena and transport processes, smart batteries as well as 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.

Junior Research group Grüninger within the BayBatt works on implementing solid-state NMR spectroscopic methods to investigate local structure, defects and dynamics in battery materials. We are especially interested in developing in-situ NMR methods to investigate phase changes in electrode materials during (dis)charging. We are looking for a highly motivated scientist (f/m/d) with a strong background in analytics and battery materials.

What we offer:

• A fixed-term position initially limited to one year, extendable for a PhD graduation up to four years in total (pay grade E13 TV-L, 50 %, details on request).
• Hands-on training in solid-state NMR spectroscopy with access to a range of NMR spectrometers and probes within the key lab Northern Bavarian NMR Centre
• Access to central key-labs with a broad repertoire of state-of-the-art analytics, such as XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM, Impedance…, as well as synthesis and processing of battery materials
• A stimulating scientific environment with sparring partners 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.

Tasks as a PhD:

• Implement and apply established solid-state NMR spectroscopic methods to gain insights in local structure and ion mobility in cathode and anode materials.
• Develop and implement in-situ NMR protocols under external electric fields to probe ion and electron transport in the battery materials/cells in-situ and associated phase changes.
• Correlate NMR results with analyses via e.g., XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX,…
• Work in an interdisciplinary team within and outside BayBatt

Candidate requirements:

• Master's degree in chemistry, physics or materials science (diploma or equivalent)
• Solid background in materials science and solid-state chemistry
• Experience in solid state NMR spectroscopy is beneficial
• Experience in battery cell design is beneficial
• Ability to work independently and organised
• Commitment, high flexibility, team spirit, open-minded personality
• Dedication for conducting cutting-edge research in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Fluency in English (spoken and written)

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 meaningful application documents

• Cover letter
• CV outlining education and academic career
• Copies of all diplomas and certificates
• Names of one to two reference persons
  
  

Please apply by 01.10.2023, with the subject line "NMR BayBatt" via the University of Bayreuth's application platform. The documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection requirements once the position has been filled.

f you have any questions, please contact Dr. Helen Grüninger (helen.grueninger@uni-bayreuth.de)