Two three-year PhD positions (m/f/d) in ‘Synthesis and atomic-scale characterization of high en[...]

Ruhr University Bochum; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 30.000 - 50.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading German university is seeking a PhD candidate for a research project focused on high entropy oxide and alloy nanoparticles. The candidate will engage in cutting-edge research on sustainable energy applications, with extensive access to advanced laboratory facilities. Ideal candidates should have a strong background in materials science and experience in related research methods.

Qualifikationen

• Excellent Master's degree in a relevant field is essential.
• Experience in nanoparticle synthesis via various methods is required.
• Familiarity with potentostat measurements is necessary.

Aufgaben

• Synthesize high entropy oxide or alloy nanoparticles.
• Characterize nanoparticles using advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques.
• Plan and organize the PhD project effectively.

Kenntnisse

Materials science

Nanoparticle synthesis

Electrochemistry

Cyclic voltammetry

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Chronopotentiometry

Chronoamperometry

English proficiency

Ausbildung

Master Degree in materials science, inorganic chemistry, or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company Ruhr University Bochum Department Institut für Werkstoffe Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions PhD Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 21 Oct 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 39,83 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

High entropy oxide and alloy nanoparticles have attracted increasing interest in catalyzing heterogeneous solid-liquid reactions in the application of battery or water splitting. However, the fundamental insights into the interplay of reactivity, structure and composition of oxides are far less understood. In particular, it remains challenging to characterize surface compositional and structural changes on the high entropy oxide or alloy nanoparticles due to complexity induced by multiple elements. This knowledge gap prevents a rational design and application of high entropy oxide or alloy nanoparticles for new sustainable energy conversion and storage applications.

In this project, the successful candidate will synthesis high entropy oxide or alloy nanoparticles for lithium ion batteries or water electrocatalysis (oxygen evolution or reduction reaction). Afterward, the candidate will characterize these nanoparticles by a combination of high-end spectroscopy and microscopy techniques such as atom probe tomography, aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy etc. The three-dimensional surface and internal structure and chemistry of catalyst nanoparticles will be revealed, with single atom sensitivity, before and after service. This atomic-scale information will provide a rational guide to nano-engineering catalysts in order to develop cost-effective and high efficiency sustainable energy sources.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of the leading research universities. The university draws its strengths from both the diversity and the proximity of scientific and engineering disciplines on a single, coherent campus. This highly dynamic setting enables students and researchers to work across traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties.

The PhD candidates will work closely with other members in the Chair of Atomic-scale Characterization (Home ). Additionally, the successful candidate will be working in the new research center for interface-dominated high-performance materials (ZGH) at Ruhr University Bochum, which houses a large and comprehensive suite of equipment dedicated to nanostructure analysis; the center is among the best facilities of its kind in the world. He or she will have access to world-class set of laboratories (e.g. glove boxes) and more than 10 major microscopy platforms, including the state-of-the-art atom probe, aberration-corrected TEM and focused ion beam etc.

Please send your complete and informative application documents (informative cover letter, CV with certificates) as one pdf document with ref. ANR 4410 by e-mail to: Prof. Dr. Tong Li, email: [e-mail]

If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation. Travel expenses for interviews cannot be refunded. At Ruhr-Universität Bochum, we wish to promote careers of women in areas in which they have been underrepresented, and we would therefore like to encourage female candidates to send us their applications. Applications by suitable candidates with severe disabilities and other applicants with equal legal status are likewise most welcome.

Areas of Research

• Materials Chemistry
• Electrochemistry

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Desired skills and experience

The candidate must have:

· an excellent master degree in materials science, inorganic chemistry, nanoparticle synthesis, or electrochemistry

· experience with synthesis of high entropy oxide or high entropy alloy nanoparticles via e,g, wet chemical, hydrothermal, thermal decomposition methods etc.

· can independently conduct potentiostat measurements including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronopotentiomery, Chronoamperometryetc

· a high level of spoken and written English

· can work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

· ability to plan and organize the PhD project effectively

· can work in multicultural environment

· self-motivated and eager to learn

The candidate may have:

· knowledge of oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts

· experiences in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data