Job Offer from July 18, 2023
The Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (MPI-FKF) in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of the world’s leading institutes in condensed matter research. The institute includes cutting-edge research projects on quantum materials, nanoscale science and energy research and provides access to internationally unique research infrastructure. Our staff of 400 work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary and multicultural environment.
The Nanochemistry Department of Prof. Lotsch is an internationally recognized research group working on synthesizing and characterizing novel materials.
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student or Postdoc (m/f/d) in the field of high-throughput automated syntheses of Li/Na sulfide solid electrolytes.
High performance solid electrolytes are at the heart of future energy storage systems like all solid-state batteries (ASSB). Modern lithium ion batteries employ liquid or gel electrolytes, which pose a safety risk when the battery is damaged. Utilizing solid electrolytes promises improved safety and stability, as well as higher energy density, performance and cycle life of ASSBs. The development of high performance solid electrolytes is therefore a key step towards more efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions. To accelerate the discovery of solid electrolytes, automation based on robotic synthesis and automated analysis are pushing into the daily lab routine. Machine learning and artificial intelligence tools back up this paradigm change in material synthesis, helping researchers to find or even predict promising material candidates and synthesis parameters.
Tasks and challenges
- Setup and operation of an automated synthesis station using a versatile robotic arm
- Development of solvent-based synthesis strategies for thiophosphate solid electrolytes
- Characterization by (automated) diffraction and spectroscopic methods
- Close collaboration with other research groups in the e‑conversion AI/ML consortium at TUM, LMU Munich, and the Fritz Haber Institute to implement machine learning routines for automated synthesis
- Writing of publications, presentation of research results at conferences and meetings
What we offer
- An interdisciplinary and international working environment at a world-leading scientific institute
- Access to a cutting-edge and modern research infrastructure at MPI Stuttgart
- Opportunities for national and international business trips to scientific conferences and meetings
- 3 year PhD position with a work contract equivalent to 67% TVöD salary group 13 or
- 2 year postdoc position with a work contract in TVöD salary group 14
- MPI benefits (canteen, subsidy for job ticket, child daycare, sports)
- Group and institute retreats, as well as regular social group and institute activities
Requirements
- Master degree (or equivalent) or PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or another relevant discipline
- Strong background in inorganic synthesis (solid-state and/or solvent-based)
- Background in (electrochemical) characterization techniques (impedance spectroscopy, voltametric measurements, NMR, diffraction, Raman, microscopy)
- Ability to work independently and cooperatively in an interdisciplinary project
- Excellent command of both written and spoken English
- Knowledge of German is beneficial but not required
- Basic programming knowledge is beneficial (experience with LabView)
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. The Max Planck Society endeavours to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.
Your application
We will accept applications until 15 September 2023. Later applications may also be considered, until the position is filled. We aim at completing the recruitment process in fall 2023. Please send a one-page motivational letter, CV, relevant certificates and the contacts of one referee as a single PDF to c.schneider@fkf.mpg.de.
We are looking forward to your application!