Batteries move our world and are ubiquitous – they start the engine of our cars, they move the hands of your clocks and allow us to take pictures with our cell phones. The Helmholtz Institute Münster for Ionics in Energy Storage as part of the Institute of Energy and Climate research focusses on electrolyte research as a key area for future battery concepts. Major research activities comprise the design, synthesis, characterization and processing of more sophisticated battery electrolytes and chemistries. Our institute operates as a branch office of Forschungszentrum Jülich in close cooperation with the University of Münster and RWTH Aachen University, in this way fostering joint research efforts while promoting this important forward-looking field of electrochemical energy storage.

The Young Investigator Group “Interface phenomena in solid-state batteries”, led by Dr. Nella Vargas-Barbosa, is looking to expand its research portfolio in the field of light-driven ion transport.

We are looking to recruit a

PhD in photoelectrochemical characterization of the ion transport

Your Job:

This project is focused on utilizing electrochemical methods for understanding how ion transport can be influenced by incident light. In particular, the project will focus on electrode materials that are amenable to light-induced ion (de)intercalation. A combination of light- and potential-modulated methods will be necessary to elucidate the charge-transfer and ion transport kinetics in such systems. The goal is to attain a better fundamental understanding about how light-generated excitons can influence ion transport in electrode materials.

Specific tasks may include but are not limited to:

• Synthesis and characterization of electrode materials,
  
• design and optimization of photoelectrochemical cells for spectroelectrochemical experiments,
  
• collect and analyze (photo)electrochemical data,
  
• propose and demonstrate the validity of a kinetic model for the processes of (de)intercalation using experimental results.
  

Your Profile:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry or a related Natural Sciences discipline
  
• Experience in inorganic synthesis and electrochemical characterization methods
  
• Knowledge of electrochemical frequency-domain (impedance) methods are a great plus
  
• Some proficiency in German and willingness to participate in graduate teaching and lab work
  
• Commitment to collaborate with internal and external project partners
  
• Strong cooperation and communication skills
  
• Enthusiastic to work in a team of diverse and international colleagues
  
• Very good knowledge of English language, both spoken and written
  
• Structured and independent working ethic
  

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:

• An excellent environment to perform high-quality research at international level
  
• A lively scientific environment within HI MS and possibilities for cooperation with our partners at RWTH Aachen, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and WWU Münster
  
• Structured training programme to further develop your competencies
  
• Flexible working time models as well as 30 vacation days per year
  
• Optimal conditions for work-life balance as well as a family-conscious corporate policy
  
• Comprehensive company health management
  

The employment of doctoral researchers is governed by a doctoral contract, which usually has a term of three years. Pay is in line with 67% 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“).

Place of employment: Münster

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.

The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your application via our
Online-Recruitment-System!