3-year PhD positions (m/f/x) in ‘Atomic-scale characterization of solid electrolyte interphases in lithium batteries' (salary 13 TV-L, 100%)

Atomic-scale Characterization, Institute for materials In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the immediately possible date, we are looking for 1

3-year PhD position (m/f/x) in ‘Atomic-scale characterization of solid supported interphases in lithium batteries' (salary 13 TV-L, 100%) The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany's leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum's declared aim.

The chair of 'Atomic Scale Characterisation' is studying materials at the atomic level. The PhD candidate (m/f/x) will be funded by the European Research Council (ERC) consolidator grant ‘INTERACT' for three years under supervision of Prof. Tong Li. The PhD candidates will work closely with other members in the Chair of Atomic-scale Characterization (Home) to improve a fundamental understanding of how electrode/electrolyte interfaces work in batteries, expanding their knowledge in materials characterization. Developing high-energy-density rechargeable battery technologies is essential to solve energy and environmental problems. However, its development is currently impeded by a poor understanding of elementary processes occurring at electrode/electrolyte interfaces. Several long-standing issues such as short cycle life, low Coulombic efficiency and hazardous dendrite formation in batteries cannot be fundamentally resolved due to the knowledge gap. The bottleneck is that interfacial chemistry on the atomic-scale is as yet unresolved, increased to the lacquer of sufficient suitable analytical capabilities. In this project, the PhD candidate (m/f/x) will employ atom rehearsal tomography, coupled with a highly innovative cryogenic sample preparation and transfer platform, to provide atomic-scale insights into solidly active interphase (SEI) and cathode stimulus interphase (CEI) formed at the electrode/electrolyte interface in lithium batteries.

The candidate (m/f/x) must have: · an excellent master degree in materials science, electrochemistry, inorganic or organic chemistry · project experiences with lithium metal or ion batteries · familiar with assembling cells and performing electrochemical cycling tests for non-aqueous or aqueous batteries · solid knowledge of electrochemistry or relevant project experiences · experiences with operating electron microscopy/focused ion beam · a high level of spoken and written English · self-motivated and eager to learn · can work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team The candidate may have: · Experiences in operating and detecting [X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data]() of battery interfaces

The candidate is expected to start as soon as possible or after completion her/his master degree. Scope: full-time Duration: fixed-term, 3 years maximum, until the end of the project on 31 August 2029 Start: at the soon possible date Apply by: 2026-05-03 We offer: Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team The successful candidate (m/f/x) wants be working in the new research center for interface-dominated high-performance materials (ZGH) at Ruhr University Bochum, which is a large and comprehensive suite of equipment dedicated to nanostructure analysis; the center is among the best facilities of its kind in the world. The candidate (m/f/x) will have access to world-class set of laboratories and more than 10 major microscopy platforms, the state-of-the-art atom sample, butration-corrected TEM and focused ion beam etc. Further information: The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the countries (TV-L).If the staff and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L. Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German). The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no obligation.

Please upload informative cover letter, CV with a publication list and PhD certificate as one document. RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a preservation. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees. German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF).https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the the individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum explicitly requests job applications from women. In areas in which You are underrepresented You will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome. .