MSCA-DN e-ChemIn - Doctoral Candidate (DC3): Understanding ion adsorption and transfer in elect[...]

Scientific background

The climate targets set by the EU with the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 require a transformation of all sectors towards the use of renewable‑based electricity, calling for cooperation between EU countries to achieve a more resilient energy system. In e‑ChemIn we are united by the idea of applying a paradigm that shifts the current approach of creating individual materials towards engineering electrochemically ACTIVE MATERIALS INTERFACES. Working together we will 1) design multiple sets of electrochemical interfaces using renewable, abundant, and circular materials and optimise them for new generations of energy conversion and storage devices; 2) develop multi‑modal approaches for the characterisation of interfaces operando at the nanoscale, providing unprecedented insights into interfaces in action and making the characterisation of active interfaces accessible to the broader scientific community; 3) successfully establish processes for the recovery of critical raw materials from end‑of‑life devices and apply them at industrial scale.

Job description – Objective

You will develop operando scanning TEM (STEM) and EELS approaches to characterise adsorption phenomena and the formation of the electric double layer with the highest spatial resolutions reported. You will use room‑temperature ionic liquids (ILs) as electrolytes and test their

• structuring in nanoconfined environments of different dimensionality (e.g., inside carbon nanotubes, 3D porous carbons)
• behaviour under applied bias in confinement.

Spatially resolved data from STEM and EELS will be correlated with volumetric measurements from NMR and operando XPS, enabling direct observation and quantification of charge‑storage mechanisms in electrode materials and processes of electrolyte degradation. In cooperation with DC5, who performs complementary atomistic simulations, you will work towards obtaining comprehensive insights in the structure and dynamics at S‑L interfaces at different states of charge.

Expected results

1. Deep understanding of electrolyte behaviour in nanometer confinements.
2. Design of a correlative setup (EELS, XPS) to study the electronic structure of interfaces.

The selected candidate will be required to enrol in a PhD program at Saarland University .

Supervisors

• Main supervisor: Prof. Nadja Tarakina (INM,
• Co‑supervisor: Prof. R. Mom (ULEI,
• Co‑supervisors from secondments: Dr. N. Krans (Protochips, Prof. Dr. P. Yushmanov (P&L Scientific,

Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment. Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date . Eligibility will be verified at the time of recruitment.

Skills/Experience

• Excellent communication and writing skills, thorough command of the English language.
• Good knowledge of electrochemistry, materials science.
• Skills in experimental electrochemistry and electrochemical technologies.
• Experience with material characterisation using electron microscopy and / or spectroscopy techniques and corresponding data interpretation will be an advantage.
• Ability to work as a member of an international, multi‑disciplinary team.
• German language knowledge is very beneficial.

Master’s degree or equivalent in Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Applied Physics or closely related disciplines.

Salary – other benefits – duration

The salary will comply with the rules of the 2025 MSCA Doctoral Network program under Horizon Europe and consists of

• a living allowance (country correction coefficient applies)
• a mobility allowance (€710 /month)
• and, if applicable, a family allowance (€660 /month).

All amounts are subject to national taxation and social security regulations.

Other benefits

• Social security coverage
• Training, networking and secondment opportunities
• Career development plan.

The position is funded for 36 months under the MSCA Doctoral Network . The total contract duration is 36 months.

Starting date: from  but not later than  .

Contract

Temporary full‑time employment contract in accordance with national regulations.

Working hours: full time – 39.5 hours per week.

Place of work

INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials gGmbH, Campus D2 2, DE‑66123 Saarbrücken, Saarland.

The knowledge of German is a plus but not mandatory as English is the main working language at INM.

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