PhD Student (MeGaBat project)

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) is one of Europe’s most important independent research institutes in the fields of ‘Shaping and Functional Materials’ and ‘Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces’. Research and development work is focussed on providing customers with reliable and application‑oriented solutions. Products and technologies primarily address sectors that are particularly important for future viability: aviation, automotive, energy technology, maritime technologies, medical technology and life sciences. Around 700 highly qualified employees work together on specific projects and topics. A new working group (Electrochemical Processes for Recycling and Water Treatment, RecWass group) is currently being set up in the Electrical Energy Storage department. RecWass group is looking for a predoctoral candidate to join the team in Bremen as soon as possible, latest in March 2026.

Here you can make a difference

The work takes place within the framework of MeGaBat project in which the recovery of critical raw materials from battery recycling industry is the overall objective.

Responsibilities

• Characterisation of CRM sources
• Design of pretreatments depending on the type of CRM‑sources
• Development of electrodes for electrochemical ion pumping methods: selection and/or synthesis of active materials, electrochemical and physicochemical characterisation
• Electrochemical reactors design, construction
• Development, design and production of a demonstrator on lab and prepilot plant scale and testing under real conditions (incl. and upscaling)
• Identification of critical operating modes and critical aspects of the process regarding cost optimisation
• Evaluation, utilisation and exploitation of the results of the project
• Supervision of students (Bachelor, Master)
• Collaboration on application‑orientated development projects in the field of battery technology
• Innovative environment with modern technical equipment
• Work in a highly topical, industry‑related field of research
• Acquiring interdisciplinary skills as a basis for working with innovative battery technology

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, physical chemistry, or chemical engineering is desired
• Master’s degree in electrochemistry or materials science is desired
• Practical experience with laboratory work
• Practical experience in physicochemical characterisation of intercalation materials will also be considered
• Practical experience with characterisation techniques: Raman, XRD, microscopy (SEM, STEM) will also be considered
• Previous knowledge in the field of battery recycling will also be considered
• Personal motivation, strong communication skills, reliability, ability to work in a team and an independent way of working
• Very good knowledge of English language skills

Benefits

• A varied working day is guaranteed!
• Room for independent work and creative participation
• Extensive qualification measures to expand professional knowledge, qualifications and personal soft skills
• Transparent remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD)
• Company pension scheme
• The position is initially limited to three years and part‑time
• We offer flexible working time models and the opportunity to work remotely.
• Support offers for the compatibility of family and career
• Corporate benefits: Offers from well‑known manufacturers and brands

We value and promote the diversity of our employees’ skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons will be given preference if equally qualified. Our tasks are varied and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that optimally promote their abilities. The same applies if they do not meet all profile requirements due to a disability.

The weekly working hours are 19.5 hours. The position will be filled on a part‑time basis only.

Ready for a change?

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what the next steps are.

Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM