The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.
The Chair for Chemistry of Materials for Energy Applications located at the Institute for Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry (Institut für Technische Chemie und Umweltchemie, ITUC) seeks to fill the position of a
Postdoctoral Researcher in the Field of Electrochemical Energy Storage and Material Design
to start as soon as possible. We offer a full-time position (TV-L E13, 100 %, 40 hours per week) as a fixed term position until 31.12.2028.
The research of the chair for chemistry of materials for energy applications is driven by the current scientific and technological challenges and revolves around the interactions of nanostructured materials with small molecules towards their use in the fields of energy storage and conversion. The offered position is located within the project “USE-G”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). The objective of USE-G is to develop a circular economy for graphite materials for the European battery industry. The processing of graphite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries is to be economically optimized and alternative raw material sources are to be included in graphite processing. To achieve this goal, an alternative method to washing with hydrofluoric acid is being developed for graphite cleaning from the recycling process and the mines on the basis of chlorine gas treatments at the lowest possible temperatures. An important aim of this work is to understand and evaluate in detail the influence of different levels of residual impurities in graphite on the electrochemical properties. Furthermore, the biopolymer lignin is used as a substitute for petroleum-based coating materials for graphite. Electrochemical measurements are implemented to gain insights on the impact of residual impurities in graphite and determine differences between recycled graphite and graphite from the mines. Within this industry-oriented project you will collaborate and exchange closely with leading companies in the field of carbon-based battery materials and contribute to the transition towards an ecological and economical graphite production in Europe.
Your profile:
- PhD in chemistry (or related disciplines) with a focus on inorganic chemistry/electrochemistry/chemistry/materials chemistry
- You bring critical thinking, a passion for future-oriented research topics, and enthusiasm for green chemistry
- You have experience in planning, performing, and analyzing chemical laboratory work
- A keen interest in electrochemistry, synthesis, and characterization work is essential
- Knowledge in the field of electrochemistry and analytics (gas adsorption measurements, NMR, XRD, IR/Raman, XPS, SEM, etc.) is desirable
- The ability to work in an interdisciplinary, international team is required
- Good written and spoken English skills are essential
- Good German skills are an advantage
Are you hesitating because you don't meet one or some of our requirements? Please do not hesitate to apply and give us a chance to get to know you.
This is a full-time position with 100% of the working hours (40 hours per week) offered as a fixed-term position until 31.12.2028.
Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.
Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 10.03.2026 using our online form.
