Job Vacancies

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive and interdisciplinary profile fields in research and teaching. At the Chair of Inorganic Active Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage (Prof. Dr. Matteo Bianchini) the following temporary position is available, starting in January 2026 or soon thereafter:

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x)

on the topic "Computational Investigation of Battery Materials (development of thermo-kinetic phase diagrams based on ab initio computations and in situ x-ray diffraction)". German salary scale TV-L E13, the initial contract will be for 2 years with the prospect for further extension. The application deadline is 30 September 2025.

We are looking for an excellent postdoctoral researcher to integrate our group at the Bavarian Center for Battery Technology (BayBatt, University of Bayreuth).

Your tasks
The research work will deal with the Computational Investigation of Battery Materials, in strict collaboration with the ERC-funded 4SBATT project. To reach its goals, the project aims to explore various chemical spaces in order to identify the most promising candidate materials to be used as electrodes and as electrolytes. Such exploration will be based on phase diagrams computed from ab initio simulations (density functional theory) to understand materials stability and enriched with experimental inputs to understand materials synthesizability; these inputs coming from in situ x-ray diffraction, carried out in our lab, will yield information related to kinetic aspects during the synthesis of materials.

Your profile
This postdoctoral position specifically deals with computational aspects. PhD holders (m/f/d) with a background in inorganic/physical chemistry, materials science or physics are particularly welcome to apply. However, strong a priori knowledge of quantum chemical methods (DFT) and ab initio computations is a mandatory prerequisite. Knowledge of batteries and electrochemistry is a plus.

The aim is to build a diverse and inclusive research group, hence open-minded and free-thinking individuals are welcome.

You will find the complete vacancy notice and the link to the application portal 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.