Postdoc (m/f/x, TV-L 13, 100%) - SFB 1625 "Atomic-scale understanding and design of multifuncti[...]

Postdoc (m/f/x, TV-L 13, 100%) - SFB 1625 "Atomic-scale understanding and design of multifunctional compositionally complex solid solution surfaces"

As part of the new Collaborative Research Centre CRC 1625 "Atomic-scale understanding and design of multifunctional compositionally complex solid solution surfaces", a postdoc position (m/f/d) is available for the subproject A02 "Microstructure design of quasi-single-crystalline and smooth model layers" as soon as possible. Compositionally complex solid solutions (CCSS), which contain five different elements in a single-phase crystal structure, have unique electrocatalytic properties that are crucial for future sustainable energy systems such as electrolyzers. The extraordinary, surface-dominated properties are a consequence of the large number of different polyelemental active centers on the surface. The design of these surface atom arrangements (SAA) has the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional catalysts and pave the way for sustainable materials with outstanding activity and stability. The CRC aims to understand and control SAA: their formation, their variation for different systems and compositions, changes in SAA due to experimental conditions and, most importantly, the systematic tailoring and manipulation of SAA to shape their properties.

A02 is a joint project between the groups of Prof Ludwig (Bochum) and Prof Raabe (Düsseldorf). In the project homogeneous thin films are sputtered and processed (heat treatment, ion irradiation, etc.) in Bochum in order to obtain single-crystalline films with large grains, minimal surface roughness and well-defined crystallographic orientation. These samples form the basis for the SFB to carry out experiments on atomic scale. Furthermore, the postdoc will be responsible for film depositions on special substrates as well as enabling correlative microscopies by micro/nanoscale marking of the films. The processing of the thin films in order to design their desired properties is developed in close co-operation with the second postdoc at the Max Planck Institute SUSMAT in Düsseldorf. We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with very good knowledge in the field of materials science (thin films and materials characterization desirable), interest in electrochemical materials and materials informatics, who dares to approach new, exciting and promising topics in an interdisciplinary environment and who has the ambition to efficiently generate, publish and apply new scientific findings with the extraordinary experimental possibilities available and the cooperation in the CRC.

Scope:

• part-time, full-time

Duration:

• fixed-term, until

Start:

• at the earliest possible date

Apply by:

• 26 January 2026

Your tasks:

• Synthesis and processing of thin films by sputtering
• Characterization of thin films (EDX, XRD, EBSD, AFM, XPS, AES, LEIS, ...)
• Interdisciplinary collaboration within the CRC
• Publication of results

Your profile:

• Completed studies with a focus on materials science, with very good results, in the field of materials science, mechanical engineering (specializing in materials) or physics, chemistry
• Practical experience in the synthesis of thin films, preferably sputtering
• Practical experience in epitaxial growth of thin films
• Practical experience in the characterization of thin films, e.g. SEM, EDX, XPS, XRD, SPM
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Interest in publications, proven by a track record of peer‑reviewed papers

We offer:

Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, options for flexible working (mobile working and teleworking), a qualified onboarding and induction process, collaboration in a committed and appreciative team

Further information:

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade TVL E13 TV-L. Further information can be found at (in German). The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. If the position is funded by third‑party funds the employee has no teaching obligation. Please upload your complete and informative application documents (1‑page letter of motivation, CV with certificates, your 3 most important own publications) as one pdf 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 prerequisite. 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).

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. Please contact

Contact persons for further information: Sigurd Thienhaus, Tel.: . Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 26 January 2026. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5266.

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 careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.