PhD Positions in Sustainable Metallurgy – IMPRS SusMet (Max Planck Research School) Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials in Germany

The International Max Planck Research School for Sustainable Metallurgy (IMPRS SusMet) is offering three-year PhD positions for innovative research projects in sustainable metallurgy. The program is based in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region and is conducted entirely in English, fostering an international and interdisciplinary scientific community. The three available projects are:

• Project 1: Optimizing microwave plasma-based reduction of metal oxides, supervised by Prof. von Keudell at Ruhr University Bochum.
• Project 2: In situ studies of the mechanochemical synthesis of intermetallic compounds, supervised by Prof. Weidenthaler at Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Mülheim/Ruhr.
• Project 3: Atomistic Investigation of Chemomechanical Processes in the Fe–O System, supervised by Prof. Bitzek at Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials, Düsseldorf.

The doctoral program focuses on sustainable metallurgy, aiming to develop innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions, enhancing material durability, and improving recycling processes. Research topics include chemical, mechanical, and plasma processing of metal ores, advanced simulation techniques (ab initio, atomistic, multi-scale modeling, machine learning), high-resolution analysis of chemistry and structure at atomic scales, and experimental and computational studies of surface reactions and transport phenomena.

Students benefit from cutting-edge research environments, a well-structured curriculum, regular supervision, and outstanding opportunities for collaboration. Funding is provided as follows: at Max Planck Institutes, TVöD 13 65% (~40,000€ gross/year); at Ruhr University Bochum, a scholarship of 2,050€ net/month.

Applicants must have an excellent master’s degree in relevant fields (physics, materials science, chemistry, or solid-state physics), with project-specific requirements such as plasma research, solid-state chemistry, X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, electron microscopy, atomistic simulations, crystallography, and defect analysis. Very good English proficiency is mandatory (IELTS, TOEFL, or similar). Required documents include a motivation letter, CV, degree certificates and transcripts, English proficiency certificate, and recommendation letters or references.

The application deadline is 15 May 2026, with a starting date of 1 July 2026 or later. Applications must be submitted via the official portal; postal or email submissions are not accepted. The program encourages applications from handicapped individuals and promotes gender and diversity equality.

For further information, contact Elke Lorenz at [email protected].