At the Institute of Energy Technologies – Theory and Computation of Energy Materials (IET-3) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany, we are currently seeking a highly motivated young researcher to contribute to the development of next-generation battery technologies. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are on the verge of commercialization. As a great advantage over, e.g., lithium-ion batteries, SIBs do not require critical raw materials, making them highly attractive especially for stationary energy storage applications. Comprising multiple layers of active materials and coatings, the materials employed in SIBs must be carefully chosen for compatibility and stability under operation conditions. As a PhD candidate at IET-3, you will be part of a new EU project with the goal to develop the next-generation of SIBs with optimized cell chemistries. You will perform computer simulations to study electrochemical degradation processes at materials interfaces inside SIBs and develop data-analytics models for identifying suitable coating strategies and compatible materials combinations. The work will be performed in vivid exchange with experimental project partners across several European countries, joining efforts for making sustainable, economically viable, and safe SIBs.
Your Job:
- Perform DFT-based materials simulations to study interfacial degradation processes in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs)
- Develop data-analytics models for selecting compatible materials combinations and coating strategies for SIB composite layers
- Database management and working with cloud-based software solutions
- Collaborate with partners in a new European HORIZON project
Your Profile:
- M.Sc. degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, or related field
- Knowledge and competences in materials modelling and simulation
- Experience and interest in computer programming
- Basic knowledge of electrochemistry and electrochemical energy technologies
- Intrinsic motivation and self-sufficiency
- Self-organized and independent work style
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills
- Highly proficient in spoken and written English and German
Our Offer:
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:
- Support from highly qualified scientists at IET-3
- Access to cutting-edge high-performance computing infrastructure at Forschungszentrum Jülich
- Diverse opportunities to develop professional skills (e.g., within the HITEC Graduate School)
- Network with globally leading academic and industrial partners
- Excellent prospects and career opportunities in a highly dynamic technology sector
- A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
- Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
- Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
The employment of doctoral researchers at Jülich is governed by a doctoral contract, which usually has a term of three years. Pay is in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs
In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.