Tong Li

Ruhr University Bochum is advertising a 3-year PhD position in atomic-scale characterization of solid electrolyte interphases (SEI/CEI) in lithium batteries . The project is funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant “INTERACT” and is hosted in the Chair of Atomic Scale Characterisation within the research center for interface-dominated high-performance materials (ZGH) . The successful candidate will investigate electrode/electrolyte interfaces and the interfacial processes that affect battery performance, including dendrite formation , Coulombic inefficiency , and short cycle life . The work is highly experimental and uses advanced characterization methods such as Atom Probe Tomography (APT) with cryogenic transfer, aberration-corrected TEM , Focused Ion Beam (FIB) , and XPS . This is a strong fit for applicants interested in materials science , chemistry , electrochemistry , and battery interface research. Eligibility highlights: an excellent MSc in materials science, electrochemistry, inorganic chemistry, or organic chemistry; experience with lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries; cell assembly and electrochemical cycling experience; strong electrochemistry background; and experience with SEM/FIB. XPS experience on battery interfaces is a plus. Applicants should have strong English skills and be able to work independently and in an interdisciplinary team. Ruhr University Bochum notes that German and English are the campus languages, and competence in at least one is required, with willingness to learn the other. Funding and terms: the position is full-time , TV-L E13 (100%) , and fixed-term for 3 years . It is described as fully funded through third-party ERC funding. The start date is as early as possible. Application deadline: 2026-05-03 . Apply via the university online portal and include a cover letter, CV with publication list, and PhD certificate as one document. Mention reference number ANR 5608 .

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.