PhD student (m/f/x): Combinatorial synthesis and high-throughput characterization of thin film [...]

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering: Materials Discovery and Interfaces – Neue Materialien und Grenzflächen

PhD student (m/f/x): Combinatorial synthesis and high-throughput characterization of thin film high entropy materials for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR)

Are you interested in working in the rapidly evolving research field of high entropy materials for electrocatalysis? As part of the international ERC Synergy project DEMI (Directed Evolution of Metastable Electrocatalyst Interfaces for Energy Conversion), a position for a PhD student (m/f/x) is available as soon as possible. Beyond Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), Helmholtz Institute Erlangen Nuremberg and the University of Bern (Switzerland) are involved in DEMI. This team works together intensively to advance electrocatalysis for the energy systems of the future. At DEMI, new high‑entropy alloys are calculated in Copenhagen. The Bochum team produces thin‑film materials libraries and uses high‑throughput methods for characterization. The partners in Erlangen and Bern carry out experimental electrochemistry.

High‑entropy materials are systematically produced in large compositional spaces by combinatorial sputtering. The chemical composition, crystal and microstructure as well as the electrochemical properties are investigated by high‑throughput methods. This screening is accelerated by artificial intelligence methods, e.g. “active learning”, to discover new, active and stable materials for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). The future PhD student (m/f/x) is expected to work independently with high motivation, be able to collaborate in international teams in a goal‑oriented manner, efficiently translate results into scientific publications, and possess excellent scientific, technical and communication skills with fluency in written and spoken English.

Your tasks:

• Synthesis of thin film materials libraries using combinatorial sputtering (focus on materials for CO2RR)
• High‑throughput characterization of thin film materials libraries (EDX, XRD, XPS, …)
• Electrochemical screening of thin film materials libraries (e.g. scanning droplet cell, scanning electrochemical cell microscopy)
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with international teams (e.g. Copenhagen, Erlangen, Bern)
• Publication of results

Your profile:

• Completed Master’s degree with very good results with focus on materials science or a related field (mechanical engineering, physics – materials focus, materials chemistry, or equivalent).
• Practical experience in the synthesis of thin films, using sputtering.
• Practical experience in the field of characterization of thin films e.g. SEM, EDX, XRD, SPM.
• Experience in the field of electrochemistry is desirable.
• Experience in the field of high‑throughput experimentation and data science is desirable.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Interest in publications.

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, a qualified onboarding and induction process, collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, a job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings.

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.

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 (informative cover letter (letter of motivation), CV with certificates, publications if applicable) 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

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by . Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5555.

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.

Online application

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.

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.

RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150