Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) – Materials Science

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie; Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen; Hybrid; EUR 55.000 - 75.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

VBL corporate pension

JobTicketBW €25 monthly

Cultural and recreational programmes

Family-friendly: childcare services

Zusammenfassung

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) invites candidates for a postdoctoral/lead research role in the Institute for Applied Materials - Energy Storage Systems (IAM-ESS), Group Fusion Ceramics. You will advance lithium-containing ceramics for fusion applications through planning, synthesis, and detailed material characterisation.

Requirements include a PhD in Materials Science or Chemistry, strong ceramics expertise, and excellent English; German is advantageous.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in materials science or chemistry with inorganic focus.
• Deep knowledge in fabrication and characterisation of ceramics.
• Strong experimental and analytical skills for research.
• Excellent English; German language skills are a plus.

Aufgaben

• Identify ceramic compounds with high lithium density and low neutron absorption; evaluate synthesis routes.
• Synthesize and develop selected ceramic materials.
• Characterise material properties including lithium burn-up stability and thermal stability.
• Develop shaping and sintering processes for future scale-up.
• Present results at workshops/conferences and publish in journals.

Kenntnisse

Ceramics fabrication

Ceramics characterisation

English proficiency

German language (asset)

Independent working style

Ausbildung

PhD in Materials Science or Chemistry

Jobbeschreibung

Institute for Applied Materials - Energy Storage Systems (IAM-ESS), Group Fusion Ceramics

Your Tasks

As part of your work, you will independently conduct the development and characterisation of lithium-containing ceramic materials for future fusion applications. This includes both the conceptual planning and the experimental implementation and scientific evaluation of the research activities.

Your responsibilities will include, in particular:

• Study for the identification and selection of ceramic compounds with high lithium density and a possibly low neutron absorption at the same time, including the evaluation of suitable synthesis routes.
• Synthesis and further development of selected ceramic materials.
• Experimental characterisation of fundamental material and fusion-relevant properties, including phase stability with respect to lithium burn-up, thermal stability, and potential interactions with structural materials.
• Development, selection, and optimisation of suitable shaping and sintering processes, taking into account the technological requirements for future industrial scale-up.
• Presentation of research results, for example at workshops and international conferences.
• Preparation of scientific reports and publications in peer-reviewed international journals

Your Profile

• Excellent university degree with a completed doctorate (PhD) in Materials Science or, where appropriate, a comparable discipline such as Chemistry (with a focus on inorganic chemistry).
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience in the fabrication and characterisation of ceramics.
• Independent, structured and responsible working style, combined with a high level of reliability.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills are required. Good German language skills are considered an asset.
• A high level of motivation, strong communication skills, intercultural competence, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, and an enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary research environment complete your profile.

We Offer

• Individualised Extra Benefits: Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicketBW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.
• Family-friendliness: The "KIT-Family+" program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent-child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
• Flexible Working Hours: Take advantage of flexible-hours schemes, remote-work options, and a 30-day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work-life balance.
• Science for Impact: Engage with topics of societal relevance—in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Career-Building and Developmental Opportunities: We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing-education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
• Stay Healthy: Under the motto "Fit at KIT - Body, Mind and Soul," we promote your well-being through fitness classes and mental-health programmes.

Job location Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (and Karlsruhe)

Salary Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contract duration 3 years

Contact person in line-management Dr. Julia Leys [e-mail]

If you have general questions about the application process, please contact DominikMeschar
Personalservice (PSE)
[e-mail]
[phone]

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply.Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.

Application up to:2026.10.07
Job posting number:385/2026