Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) - Functional core-shell fibre electrodes

The Chair of Electrochemical Process Engineering at the University of Bayreuth has a temporary vacancy for the following full-time position to be filled as soon as possible:

The goal of this doctoral thesis is to design and fabricate functionalised core-shell and hollow electrospun fibres for advanced redox flow battery electrodes. The recruited researcher will set up and operate a modified electrospinner, develop dual-spinning processes, and integrate catalysts into fibres to enhance stability and catalytic activity (e.g. against bromine attack in HBr-RFB). The influence of fibre architecture on electrode morphology, surface area and electrochemical performance will be systematically studied. The optimised materials will be tested in VRFB and HBr-RFB laboratory cells in collaboration with project partners, enabling new interface designs that reduce charge-transfer resistance and improve cell efficiency.

The Doctoral Network SPACER is financed by the European Union under the framework of the program HORIZON Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.

SPACER aims to develop new architectures for porous electrodes to improve the power density and energy efficiency of redox flow batteries (RFB), enabling affordable and durable long-duration energy storage. The approach is to use hierarchical structures, i.e. complex material layers that can be optimized to specific battery chemistries and flow phenomena from the microscale up.

If you would like to join us in tackling these engineering challenges using material science methods, we look forward to receiving your application.

As part of your future job, you will deal with the following topics:

• Construction and setup of a modified electrospinner
• Production of test electrodes with functionalized core-shell fibres
• Development of catalyst-coated fibres for HBr-RFB and VRFB
• Performing morphological and electrochemical characterizations
  
  

What you should bring along:

• A very good engineering or scientific university degree (diploma/master's degree) in the subject areas of materials science, chemistry, or chemical process engineering
• Knowledge in materials chemistry (synthesis) as well as materials characterization by means of microscopic, electrochemical, and spectroscopic analysis methods
• Knowhow of electrospinning and/fuel cell operation is advantageous but not required
• Enjoyment of scientific and goal-oriented work
• Proactive commitment, ability to work in a team, independent working style and curiosity
• Professional appearance, very good language skills in German and English (written and spoken)

The applicant must not have resided or carried out her/ his main activity (work, studies etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.

And this is what we offer:

• A working atmosphere characterised by a culture of active participation in an excellently equipped laboratory environment
• The cooperation in a modern, highly research- and third-party funded chair, a multitude of industrial contacts and excellent career prospects
• An innovative scientific activity in combination with application-oriented research and exchange with project partners
• A range of tasks with a great deal of creative freedom and personal responsibility
• The opportunity for scientific qualification (doctorate, additional scientific achievements) with individual supervision

The University of Bayreuth appreciates the diversity of its employees as an enrichment and is expressly committed to the goal of equal opportunities for all genders. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Club 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 they are equally qualified.

Please apply online with meaningful application documents by 31.10.2025 using the key word “SPACER-DC12-UBT” via our online application portal. The documents will be deleted after the position has been filled in accordance with data protection requirements.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christina Roth (christina.roth@uni-bayreuth.de, Phone: +49 921/ 55-7200).

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christina Roth

Chair of Electrochemical Process Engineering
University of Bayreuth
D-95440 Bayreuth