Postdoc in X-ray Spectroscopy of Battery Interphases and Electrocatalyst Materials at Ruhr University Bochum Ruhr University Bochum in Germany

Postdoc opportunity in X-ray spectroscopy and battery materials at Ruhr University Bochum.

The Chair of Atomic-scale Characterisation at Ruhr University Bochum is recruiting a three-year, full-time postdoctoral researcher (TV-L 13, 100%) to work on X-ray-based spectroscopy studies of battery interphases and/or electrocatalyst materials within the ERC Consolidator Grant INTERACT.

The project is centered on advanced characterization of energy materials, with a strong emphasis on X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and related analysis of battery electrodes and electrified interfaces. The successful candidate will also contribute to lithium or sodium metal battery assembly, electrode or coin-cell fabrication, electrochemical measurements, beamtime proposal writing, scientific publishing, project management, and teaching activities in the chair.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a PhD in materials science, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or electrochemistry. The post requires solid electrochemistry knowledge, extensive experience with battery cycling tests (cycling, voltammetry, EIS), and strong hands-on experience in X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray absorption analysis. Experience with in situ or operando X-ray spectroscopy is considered an advantage. The university also notes that competence in at least one of German or English is required, with willingness to learn the other language.

Funding and conditions: this is a salaried university post at TV-L 13, full-time, fixed term for three years. It is not described as a scholarship; rather, it is an employment-based postdoctoral position.

How to apply: submit your application via the Ruhr University Bochum online application portal. The deadline is 2026-07-05, and applicants should mention reference number ANR 5762. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Tong Li.