Job Vacancies

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. The Chair of Operando-Analytics for Electrochemical Energy Storage is part of Bavarian Center for Battery Technology (BayBatt).

We are currently seeking to appoint a

PhD student (m/f/x)

to commence as soon as possible for the structural characterization of wall materials for nuclear fusion reactors. The position (E 13 TV-L, 50 %) is initially limited to one year to define the project. The project is supported by the initiative “Mission Kernfusion” of the Federal State of Bavaria. The successful candidate is actively collaborating with the Chair of Ceramic Composites and the Chair of Inorganic Chemistry III of the University Bayreuth coordinating the project.

Your application:

Please apply online with detailed application documents by 14.12.2025 using the application portal of the University of Bayreuth, stating the password “PhD Fusion”. Application documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection law following the conclusion of the appointment process. Only candidates who are invited for an interview will receive a response.

Your responsibilities:

• Interdisciplinary work on wall materials for nuclear fusion reactors within in a strong team
• Structural analysis and testing of wall materials for nuclear fusion reactors
• Synthesis of composite materials
• Participating in measurement trips to expose the composites to high energy radiation and explore the structural stability in situ.
• Utilization of modern test equipment, e.g. electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction, pair distribution functional analysis
• Generating unprecedented insights into the structural stability of wall materials for nuclear fusion
• Teaching support

Your profile:

• An excellent Master degree in inorganic chemistry or material science
• Expertise in solid state chemistry and the preparation of high-temperature composite
• Experience with the above-mentioned analytical techniques and related data analysis
• Knowledge in local structure characterization using modern aberration corrected transmission electron microscopes and/or scanning electron microscopes is beneficial
• Open-minded, team-oriented pragmatic, and solution-oriented character
• Highly motivated in planning, conducting, and evaluating experiments
• Excellent communication skills (talking and writing), also in English

If you have any questions, please contact: Prof. Dr. Thomas Lunkenbein, Chair of Operando-Analytics for Electrochemical Energy Storage (operando@uni-bayreuth.de)

The complete vacancy notice and the link to the application portal can be found here.

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. The Chair of Physical Chemistry III at the University of Bayreuth is currently currently has an open

PhD position (m/f/x)

as part of the BayBatt Graduate School. The position will be filled starting from 01.04.2026 and is limited to three years. Salary is based on E13 TV-L 50%. The application deadline is 31 December 2025.

Within the scope of the project, we will prepare nanostructured spinel materials, and convert them into layered sodium metal oxides. The focus will be on their electrochemical performance as sodium ion battery cathode materials. In addition, there is the comprehensive characterization of the materials by means of elemental analysis, electron microscopy, XRD, IR, Raman, TGA and sorption methods. The results should be documented, evaluated and then published. The opportunity to do a doctorate is given alongside work on the project.

Your profile:
You have completed a scientific university degree (diploma or MSc) in chemistry or materials science. Experience with sol-gel chemistry, solid state synthesis, electrochemical analysis tools, and characterization of battery materials is advantageous. Applicants should be interested in an academic exchange with other working groups. The project also takes place in cooperation with other research groups, so very good knowledge of English and excellent communication skills are required.

The complete vacancy notice and the link to the application portal can be found here.

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. The Chair of Electrode Design for Electrochemical Energy Storage is recuiting

2 computationcal scientists (m/f/x) with a research focus on quantum mechanical modeling of energy materials (with emphasis on battereies and interface phenomena)

for direct nomination to Alexander von Humboldt Fellowships through the prestigious Henriette Herz Program. Join their team to advance first-principles design of next-generation energy storage. The positions are available for immediate and September 2025 starts.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry or a related field
• Strong publication record in computational materials
• Expertise in DFT and programming skills
• Exellent English communication skills

What we offer

• Direct nomination for the Humboldt Fellowship
• State-of-the-art computational facilities
• Dynamic international research environment

To apply

• Submit your cover letter and CV to Prof. Dr. Francesco Ciucci at francesco.ciucci@uni-bayreuth.de and eee@uni-bayreuth.de.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.