PhD Candidate – 3D Ion Beam Tomography of Next-Generation Batteries
PhD Candidate – 3D Ion Beam Tomography of Next-Generation Batteries (w/m/d)
At the Institute of Energy Materials and Devices - Werkstoffsynthese und Herstellungsverfahren (IMD-2), we work in a dynamic and international team of over one hundred material scientists, chemists, physicists, mechanical engineers, and technical staff on the development of advanced energy converters and high-performance storage for the energy transition. In doing so, we cover a wide technological field, from oxide-ceramic fuel cells to solid-state batteries, thermal insulation layers for gas turbines, to gas separation membranes. The focus in all these technologies is on inorganic materials, which are processed as functional layers from powders or via the gas phase. For this purpose, we use scalable, industry-relevant processes that ensure a rapid transfer of our research results into industry. In this way, our work contributes significantly to closing the gap between fundamental science and application.
Future battery technologies are urgently needed to make electromobility and home storage even cheaper, safer, and more powerful.
Si-rich anodes are already being used in high-energy batteries and can significantly increase energy density. However, due to the high volume expansion of Si during charging, such cells show strong cycle aging. To increase cycle stability, possibilities for pre-lithiation of Si-rich anodes are already being researched on an industrial scale. However, many research questions remain open, especially regarding the distribution of Li in the anode depending on the process parameters and the anode design. However, due to its small atomic number, Li cannot be determined with spatial resolution in electrodes using conventional methods.
A new possibility to quantify Li with spatial resolution is offered here by Ion Beam Analysis (IBA), in which ions with high energy (> 2 MeV) are shot at the battery samples and trigger a nuclear fusion reaction. The resulting ions enable depth-resolved quantification of Li and other components of the anode, e.g., Si, O, F, C, etc. This information provides valuable insights into the quality and stability of the process control. By combining this with 2-dimensional scanning of the ion beam over the samples, 3D atomic distributions can also be made visible, thus uncovering possible inhomogeneities both laterally and in the depth of the electrode. The goal is to optimize the production of pre-lithiated anodes for future batteries through this advanced analytics.
Your tasks in the team
The doctoral work takes place within the framework of a BMFTR collaborative project on the topic of high-performance batteries, where academic and industrial partners work together on the project.
Your tasks essentially include:
- Independent measurement with the world's first facility for 3D Li tomography on battery samples (battery beamline at the 3 MeV Tandetron ion accelerator at FZJ)
- Optimization of the measurement process to obtain the highest possible sensitivity, resolution, and reproducibility
- Measurement of various materials and battery components of the project partners
- Evaluation of the results using specially developed, AI-based software, which enables 3D reconstructions of the element distribution
- Complementary analytics with other advanced methods such as SIMS; Raman; FIB-SEM; µ-CT;…
- Compilation of the results and evaluation of the influence of the process parameters on the Li distribution in various next-generation anode concepts
The candidate can thus gain knowledge about advanced analysis methods for future battery systems during the doctoral work, as well as demonstrate their industry-relevant use for process optimization.
What you bring with you
- Successfully completed scientific university studies (Master's) in the field of physics, physical chemistry, or material analytics
- Very good knowledge in the field of solid-state analytics or related analytical methods
- Experience in the field of preparation/ manufacture/ manufacturing processes of inorganic materials
- Knowledge in the field of electrochemistry and/or batteries is an advantage
- Very good English skills, both oral and written (at least B2 level according to the GeR)
- A high degree of teamwork and flexibility as well as a willingness to show great commitment
Look forward to the following benefits
We work on highly topical, socially relevant issues and offer you the opportunity to actively shape the change! A versatile range of offers awaits you:
- Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary orientation – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
- Research & Infrastructure: Excellent scientific and technical equipment is available for your work
- Networking & Exchange: You will participate in a consortium funded by the BMFTR consisting of industry, universities, and other national research institutions. You have the opportunity to participate in project meetings and conferences and present your results (online and in-person events)
- Supervision & Support: Your continuous professional supervision will be provided by your scientific supervisor Dr. Martin Finsterbusch. The doctorate will be carried out at the University of Duisburg-Essen with Prof. Dr. Dina Fattakhova-Rohlfing (doctoral supervisor)
- Work-Life Balance: With us, you have the opportunity for flexible working hours, which supports the compatibility of professional and private life. In addition, there is the possibility of (location-) flexible working, which is generally possible upon coordination and in accordance with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
- Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation with us
- Knowledge & Further Training: Your development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually, e.g., through training and networking offers specifically for doctoral students (JuDocS). You can also develop your personal strengths through our extensive range of further training opportunities within the framework of the HITEC graduate school (online and in-person events)
- Health & Well-being: Your health is important to us. Look forward to extensive occupational health management with diverse offers – e.g., through a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga courses, and much more. Additionally, our occupational medical service and an experienced social counseling team are available directly on site
- Campus Experience: Our research campus in the green creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sports balance directly on site. A diverse range of offers awaits you in our canteen – you can enjoy your lunch break in a relaxed atmosphere with a view of the lake
- Successful Start: It is important to us that you arrive quickly in the team and are introduced to your tasks in a structured manner. In addition, we accompany you from the beginning and facilitate your start through our Welcome Days and our Welcome Guide
- Fair Remuneration: Remuneration is according to pay group 13 (75%) of the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD-Bund). In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional collective agreement special payment at the end of the year in the amount of 75% of one month's salary. All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI page. Please refer to page 69 ff. of the PDF download for the monthly salaries in Euro
- Limitation: The position is limited to 3 years
- Support for Internationals: Our International Advisory Service facilitates the entry of international employees
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial atmosphere, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/Benefits
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g., regarding age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, as well as social, ethnic, and religious origin. An equitable, diverse, and inclusive working environment in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.
Further information on diversity and equal opportunities can be found via the following links: https://go.fzj.de/diversitaet as well as on the targeted promotion of women: https://go.fzj.de/job-journey-women
Location: Jülich
Start: At the earliest possible date
Salary: EG 13 (75%) TVöD-Bund
Application Deadline: The position will be published until it is successfully filled
Reference Number: 2026D-0594
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