3-year PhD positions (m/f/x) in ‘Atomic-scale characterization of solid electrolyte interphases[...]

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering: Atomic-scale Characterisation, Institute for materials.

Scope and duration

Scope: full-time

Duration: fixed-term, 3 years maximum, until the end of the project on 31 August 2029

Start: at the earliest possible date

Apply by: 2026‑05‑03

3-year PhD positions (m/f/x) in ‘Atomic-scale characterization of solid electrolyte interphases in lithium batteries’ (salary 13 TV‑L, 100%)

The chair of Atomic Scale Characterisation studies materials at the atomic level.

The PhD candidate (m/f/x) will be funded by the European Research Council (ERC) consolidator grant 'INTERACT' for three years under supervision of Prof. Tong Li. The PhD candidate will work closely with other members in the Chair of Atomic-scale Characterization to improve a fundamental understanding of how electrode/electrolyte interfaces work in batteries, expanding their knowledge in materials characterization.

Your tasks:

Developing high-energy-density rechargeable battery technologies is essential to solve energy and environmental problems. However, its development is currently impeded by a poor understanding of elementary processes occurring at electrode/electrolyte interfaces. Several long-standing issues such as short cycle life, low Coulombic efficiency and hazardous dendrite formation in batteries cannot be fundamentally solved due to the knowledge gap.

The bottleneck is that interfacial chemistry on the atomic-scale is as yet unresolved, owing to the lack of sufficiently suitable analytical capabilities. In this project, the PhD candidate (m/f/x) will employ atom probe tomography, coupled with a highly innovative cryogenic sample preparation and transfer platform, to provide atomic-scale insights into solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) formed at the electrode/electrolyte interface in lithium batteries.

Your profile:

The candidate (m/f/x) must have:

• an excellent master degree in materials science, electrochemistry, inorganic or organic chemistry
• project experiences with lithium metal or ion batteries
• familiar with assembling cells and performing electrochemical cycling tests for non-aqueous or aqueous batteries
• solid knowledge of electrochemistry or relevant project experiences
• experiences with operating scanning electron microscopy/focused ion beam
• a high level of spoken and written English
• self‑motivated and eager to learn
• can work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

The candidate may have:

• experiences in operating and analyzing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data of battery interfaces

We offer:

Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, collaboration in a committed and appreciative team. The successful candidate (m/f/x) will be working in the new research center for interface-dominated high-performance materials (ZGH) at Ruhr University Bochum, which houses a large and comprehensive suite of equipment dedicated to nanostructure analysis. The candidate will have access to world‑class laboratories and more than 10 major microscopy platforms, including the state‑of‑the‑art atom probe, aberration‑corrected TEM and focused ion beam.

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 E13 TV‑L.

Please upload an informative cover letter, CV with a publication list and PhD certificate as one document.

Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews cannot be reimbursed.

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026‑05‑03. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5608.

Contact persons for further information:

Prof. Dr. Tong Li, Tel.: +49 234 

Legal and diversity statements:

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. 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.