Research Assistant / PhD Candidate (f/m/d) [V000011494]

Bannwarth Lab; Of; On-site; TRY 2,913,000 - 3,922,000; Part time

Job summary

RWTH Aachen University invites applications for a Research Assistant / PhD Candidate in the Chair of Physical Chemistry I. The project focuses on diffusion of host and dopant cations in doped ceria using both experimental and computational methods including DFT and MD simulations.

The candidate will explore ion transport in materials for energy applications, publish results, and present at international conferences. The position is 3 years, with a fixed-term appointment and TV-L-based salary.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related field.
• Ability to work independently in a scientific context and address complex research questions autonomously.
• Interest in application-oriented basic research for energy and information technologies.

Responsibilities

• Combine experimental and computational methods to elucidate ion diffusion and cation ordering in doped CeO₂.
• Experimentally investigate cation diffusion and determine diffusion coefficients from diffusion profiles (SIMS).
• Perform and evaluate computer simulations — DFT, ML potentials, and MD — to determine defect energies and diffusion coefficients.
• Investigate cation ordering and its evolution and its influence on grain boundary conductivity.
• Systematically study effects of temperature, oxygen partial pressure and dopant concentration on cation diffusion.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.

Skills

Independence

Teamwork

English proficiency

Attention to detail

Learning mindset

Solid-state physics

Materials characterization

Computational simulations

Python basics

Education

Master’s degree in chemistry/ materials science/ physics

Tools

Python

HPC

Job description

Research Assistant / PhD Candidate (f/m/d)

Application deadline: 28/09/2026

Institution

Chair of Physical Chemistry I and Institute of Physical Chemistry

Our Profile

The Institute of Physical Chemistry at RWTH Aachen University consists of several research groups covering a broad range of topics. The focus is on investigating the physicochemical properties of various materials: from inorganic solids and molecular materials to macromolecules and nanoparticles in solution.

The research group of Prof. Dr. Roger A. De Souza uses experimental and computational methods to investigate the properties (in particular ion transport) of materials used in energy and information technology, such as solid oxide fuel cells, ReRAM technologies, solar cells, etc. The working environment is collegial and supportive: for example, weekly team meetings provide an opportunity to discuss current research results and jointly develop solutions to scientific challenges.

Your Profile

• Completed university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related field
• Ability to work independently in a scientific context and to address complex research questions autonomously
• Interest in application-oriented basic research for energy and information technologies
• Willingness to familiarise yourself with new experimental, simulation-based and computational methods, as well as new scientific questions
• Knowledge of solid-state physics and defect chemistry is an advantage
• Experience with experimental methods for materials characterization, as well as experience with computer simulations and the use of high-performance computing (HPC), is an advantage
• Basic knowledge of programming and data analysis, e.g. Python, is an advantage
• Independent, structured and careful working style
• Good command of English
• Ability to work in a team and strong communication skills

Your Duties and Responsibilities

Doctoral position on the topic: “Diffusion of host and dopant cations in doped ceria”

• Combining experimental and computational methods to elucidate ion diffusion and cation ordering processes in doped CeO₂
• Experimental investigation of cation diffusion in doped CeO₂ and determination of diffusion coefficients from diffusion profiles using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)
• Performing and evaluating computer simulations — density functional theory (DFT), machine-learning potentials, and meta- and molecular dynamics simulations — to determine defect energies, migration mechanisms and diffusion coefficients
• Investigating cation ordering, its temporal evolution and its influence on grain boundary conductivity
• Systematic investigation of the influence of temperature, oxygen partial pressure and dopant concentration on cation diffusion
• Publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting them at international conferences

What We Offer

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.

The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 3 years.

This is a part-time position (50 % of the standard weekly hours for full-time employees).

The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position.

The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).

The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

About Us

• RWTH is proud to be certified as a family-friendly university.
• As part of our Campus Health initiative, RWTH offers a wide range of health, counseling, and prevention services, including university sports.
• Employees under collective bargaining agreements and civil servants also benefit from a comprehensive continuing education program and the option to purchase a job ticket for convenient commuting.

RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and make employment decisions without regard to national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is especially committed to supporting the advancement of women in academia. When women are underrepresented in a university unit, preferential consideration will be given to female applicants among candidates of equal merit and professional standing, unless compelling reasons favour another individual.

Please refer to https://www.rwth-aachen.de/applicant-privacy-policy for information about how we collect and process applicant data in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).