Marie-Curie Network Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) for Electrochemical Interfaces in Energy Storage

Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 42.000 - 52.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

interdisciplinary environment

cutting-edge infrastructure

Marie Skłodowska-Curie remuneration

public sector benefits

family-care compatibility

job ticket subsidy

Zusammenfassung

Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam invites applications for a Marie-Curie Network Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) in Electrochemical Interfaces for Energy Storage. Start of work is 01.11.2026 for 36 months, on site at Potsdam Science Park.

The successful candidate will synthesize metal-free composite anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, explore new thin-film deposition methods, and characterize interfaces.

Qualifikationen

• M.Sc. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or closely related field
• Strong scientific track record with publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Commitment to project timelines, teamwork and mobility
• Experience with organic thin film synthesis, surface and interface chemistry characterization
• Experience with electrochemical setup and characterization is a plus
• Ability for independent and team work
• Strong motivation and interdisciplinary research interest
• Excellent English communication; German is a plus

Aufgaben

• Synthesize metal-free composite anode materials for sodium-ion batteries
• Explore novel deposition approaches for metal-free thin films on active materials
• Investigate the role of interfaces in electrochemical energy storage devices
• Drive development of metal-free thin films and perform physico-chemical characterization
• Prepare periodic reports and publish results in scientific journals
• Participate actively in seminars and network meetings

Kenntnisse

English communication

German communication (nice to have)

Team collaboration

Mobility

Ausbildung

M.Sc. in Chemistry or Materials Science

Jobbeschreibung

Online since 2026-07-20

Marie-Curie Network Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) for Electrochemical Interfaces in Energy Storage

Deadline: 25.08.2026

Start of work: 01.11.2026

Working time model: Full time (on site)

About Us

Colloids and interfaces consist of very small or thin structures with linear dimensions between nanometers and micrometers. The possible structures represent a world of hidden dimensions, and the dynamics and structures of these small entities determine the behavior of much larger systems such as organisms. The Department of Colloid Chemistry (Director Prof. Dr. Markus Antonietti) at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPICI) in Potsdam Science Park, Germany announces the position of a Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) to join a European project network initiative (Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions) on the development of electrochemical interfaces in energy storage and conversion applications. The selected candidate will have the opportunity of joining the European network and is expected to pursue collaboration and secondments with the research network which includes partners from Germany, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, Italy and more.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for synthesizing metal‑free composite anode materials for sodium‑ion batteries by exploring novel synthesis approaches for the deposition of metal‑free thin films on active materials and investigating the role of interfaces in electrochemical energy storage devices. The candidate will be responsible for driving the development of metal‑free thin films for electrochemical energy storage, including the materials synthesis, physico‑chemical characterization, electrochemical performance analyses, results review, preparation of periodic reports for the network, and publication of results in scientific journals. The candidate is also expected to join and actively participate in periodic seminars, meetings, and discussions with the team and the network.

Qualifications

• A M.Sc. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• A strong scientific track record ideally demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Commitment to the project development and timelines, team collaboration, and mobility
• Preparation of periodic reports for the team, including data reports, analyses, and literature review
• Previous experience with organic thin film synthesis, surface and interface chemistry characterization is expected
• Previous experience with electrochemical setup and electrochemical characterization is a plus
• Ability for both independent and team work
• Strong motivation, scientific curiosity, and interest in interdisciplinary research
• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills in English; written and oral communication skills in German is a plus

Benefits

• A stimulating, interdisciplinary environment within the vibrant scientific community of the Max Planck Institute
• Access to cutting‑edge infrastructure, including advanced electrochemical and structural characterization tools
• Remuneration according to the European Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions standards
• Conditions and social benefits of the public sector
• Compatibility of family and career (e.g. company kindergarten)
• Subsidy for the job ticket
• Canteen, offering meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes
• Outdoor sports facilities on campus

Application & Contact

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max‑Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

The position is available starting from 01.11.2026 for a period of 36 months. The accepted candidate will work in the group led by Dr. Paolo Giusto (https://www.mpikg.mpg.de/2d-covalent-thin-films-for-energy-storage).

Please submit your application by the online‑application‑management‑tool, with attached PDF versions of your CV including a publication list, contact details of at least two referees, and a short motivation letter (max 2 pages) containing your skills and experiences related to the position.

Additional Information

For further information about the institute, see https://www.mpikg.mpg.de/en