Postdoc – Neutron Reflectometry for Energy Materials

Forschungszentrum Jülich; Jülich; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days vacation

Flexible working hours

Company pension

Year-end bonus

International advisory support

Job summary

Forschungszentrum Jülich seeks a researcher to study dynamical and structural properties of energy materials using neutron and X-ray reflectometry, supported by simulations. You will synthesize energy materials and model systems (fuel cells, batteries, organic ligands on metal oxide surfaces) and characterize them physically.

You will participate in experiments, help design sample environments for neutron sources, supervise students, and present findings at conferences and in journals.

Qualifications

• Masters degree and PhD in physics, chemistry, material science or related disciplines.
• Experience in neutron reflectometry and preferably grazing incidence techniques.
• Good knowledge of the structural characterization of matter.
• Experience with energy materials, e.g. fuel cells, batteries, interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Characterization of the dynamical and structural properties of energy materials using neutron and X-ray reflectometry supported by complementary experimental techniques or theoretical simulations.
• Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of energy materials or their model systems, e.g. fuel cells, batteries, organic ligands on metal oxide surfaces.
• Participation in experiments as well as design and construction of sample environments with practical work at neutron sources.
• Supervision of students.
• Presentation of research results at conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Establishment of cooperation projects with other institutes at Forschungszentrum Jülich.
• Possible involvement in the HiCANS platform.

Skills

Neutron reflectometry

Grazing incidence techniques

Energy materials knowledge

English (B2)

Python basics

Education

Master's degree

PhD in physics/chemistry/materials

Tools

Python

Job description

Understanding the fundamental physicochemical properties of energy materials is crucial to a sustainable design of our environment. At the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science - Neutron Analytics for Energy Research (JCNS-3), we aim to address the dynamic and structural properties of energy materials and nanostructured interfaces. Research directions of this position on interfaces and reflecometry span i) the swelling behaviour of Nafion films in fuel cells, ii) grazing incidence experiments on anode-free Na-based batteries, and iii) the hydration behaviour of organic ligand layers on metal oxide surfaces. Reflectometry will be amongst the first five instruments at the High Brilliance neutron Source (HBS-I), which will be built at Forschungszentrum Jülich, as well as at the HiCANS platform to which JCNS contributes at ESS Bilbao.

Your Job

• Characterization of the dynamical and structural properties of energy materials using neutron and X-ray reflectometry supported by complementary experimental techniques or theoretical simulations
• Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of energy materials or their model systems, e.g. fuel cells, batteries, organic ligands on metal oxide surfaces
• Participation in experiments as well as design and construction of sample environments with practical work at neutron sources
• Supervision of students
• Presentation of research results at conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Establishment of cooperation projects with other institutes at Forschungszentrum Jülich
• Possible involvement in the HiCANS platform

Your Profile

• Masters degree and PhD in physics, chemistry, material science or related disciplines
• Experience in neutron reflectometry and preferably grazing incidence techniques
• Good knowledge of the structural characterization of matter
• Experience with energy materials, e.g. fuel cells, batteries, interfaces

A distinct advantage would be:

• Experience with high-level programming languages, e.g. Python
• Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR)

• The ability to work independently, along with a highly motivated and creative approach to research
• Demonstrated teamwork, cooperation and communication skills
• Previous supervision of graduate students, as well as laboratory or instrument responsibilities

Our Benefits for You

• Work-life balance: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly company policy. The option of flexible working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year's)
• Flexibility: Flexible working time models, including options close to full-time
• Knowledge & further training: Your professional development is important to us – we provide targeted, individual support
• Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive occupational health management program with a wide range of offerings - e.g., a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes, and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counseling team are available to assist you on site
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade 13 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on theBMI website
• The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 74 of the PDF download
• Additional benefits: Benefit from attractive additional services such as a company pension scheme with employer contribution. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits
• Perspective: After a 2-year fixed-term contract, our goal is to hire you on a permanent basis. Let's use this time to find out how well we fit together
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
• Career Center: You will receive explicit support with regard to your career development opportunities

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities:

https://go.fzj.de/equality

and on specific support options for women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey

• International applicants can find more information here: https://go.fzj.de/job-journey-internationals
• Place of Employment:**Aachen und Jülich

Start Date: as soon as possible

Working Hours: 39 Hours / Week

Salary: EG 13 TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: The position will be advertised until it is successfully filled.

Index number: 2026T-0853