MSCA-DN e-ChemIn – Doctoral Candidate (DC2): Characterization of solid-liquid and solid-solid electrochemical interfaces operando at the nanoscale (f/m/d) - #1001244

The climate targets set by the EU with the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 require a transformation of all sectors of the economy towards the use of renewables-based electricity, calling for joined forces between EU countries in order to achieve a more resilient energy system. In the e-ChemIn we are united by the idea of applying a new paradigm in designing energy devices, which shifts the current approach of creating individual materials towards engineering electrochemically ACTIVE MATERIALS INTERFACES. Working together we will: 1) design multiple sets of electrochemical interfaces using renewable, abundant, and circular materials and optimize them for new generations of energy conversion and storage devices. Created lab-scale prototypes which outperform characteristics of current benchmarks and will be ready for further developments at high TRLs (5-9); 2) develop multimodal approaches for the characterization of interfaces operando at the nanoscale, providing unprecedented insights into interfaces in action and making the characterization of active interfaces accessible to the broader scientific community; 3) successfully establish processes for the recovery of critical raw materials from end-of-life devices and apply them at the industrial scale.

Job description – Objective

The aim of the project is to reveal the nanoscale details of the ionic transport at electrode-electrolyte interfaces in operando focusing on the specific role of composite materials in improving sodium ion batteries (SIBs) and zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) performances. The Doctoral Candidate (DC) will design and test microbattery closed-cell setups based on MEMS chip technology and perform operando characterizations of solid-solid (S-S) and solid-liquid (S-L) interfaces using probe corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) and related spectroscopy techniques. Processes at Na-ion carbonaceous anode and their composites for SIBs will be compared. Zn composite cathodes for ZIBs will be tested. Tight cooperation with DC1 and DC4, assisting with nanoscale characterisation of carbonaceous, composite covalent anode materials in SIBs, and multifunctional ion-conductive polymers in rechargeable aqueous ZIBs, is expected. Operando experiments will be compared with ex-situ TEM analysis of materials from coin cells at different states of charge to ensure comparability of the results. Chemical composition, electronic structure at S-L, S-S and S-S-L interfaces will be probed by EELS.

Expected results

(1) Successful assembly and nanoscale study of the S-L, S-S, S-S-L interfaces in microbattery devices.

(2) Unveiling interface-performances relationships (e.g., composition-porosity-structure with SEI formation for SIBs, ZIBs used within the project).

The selected candidate will be required to enroll in a PhD program at Saarland University.

Supervisors - Benefits - Qualifications

Main supervisor: Prof. Nadja Tarakina (INM, https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/innovative-elektronenmikroskopie/).

Co-supervisor: Dr. Paolo Guisto (MPIKG, https://www.mpikg.mpg.de/2d-covalent-thin-films-for-energy-storage).

Co-supervisors from secondments:

Dr. N. Krans (Protochips, https://www.protochips.com/).

Prof. M. Pumera (VSB, https://nanorobots.vsb.cz/en).

The Doctoral Candidate will stay 4 months at VSB Technical University of Ostrava (Prof. M. Pumera), Czech Republic and 3 months at Stockholm University (Prof. Jiayin Yuan), Sweden.

Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment and not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.

Eligibility will be verified at the time of recruitment.

Skills / Experience

• Excellent communication and writing skills, thorough command of the English language
• Good knowledge of electrochemistry, materials science
• Skills in experimental electrochemistry and electrochemical technologies
• Experience with material characterization using electron microscopy and/or spectroscopy techniques and corresponding data interpretation will be an advantage
• Ability to work as a member of an international, multi-disciplinary team
• German language knowledge is very beneficial.

Master’s degree or equivalent in Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Applied Physics or closely related disciplines.

Salary – other benefits – duration

The salary will comply with the rules of the 2025 MSCA Doctoral Network program under Horizon Europe and consists of:

• a living allowance (country correction coefficient applies)
• a mobility allowance (€710/month)
• and, if applicable, a family allowance (€660/month).

All amounts are subject to national taxation and social security regulations.

Other benefits

• Social security coverage
• Training, networking and secondment opportunities
• Career development plan.

The position is funded for 36 months under the MSCA Doctoral Network. The total contract duration is 36 months. More information under https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/search - Search: e-ChemIn

Start date: 01.11.2026 but not later than 01.04.2027

Temporary contract: full-time employment contract in accordance with national regulations.

Working hours: full time – 39.5 hours per week.

INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials is in Saarbrücken, Saarland, Germany and is an internationally leading center for materials research, a scientific partner to national and international research institutions, and a provider of research and development for companies throughout the world. The INM is an institute of the Leibniz Association and has about 250 employees.

The knowledge of German is a plus but not a requirement as English is a main working language at INM.

Applicants must submit the following, specifying MSCA-DN e-ChemIN (DC2)

• CV (including a detailed description of residence and main activities over the last 3 years)
• Motivation letter
• Copies of academic degrees
• Contact details of 3 referees.

Application deadline is 20.09.2026.

Recruitment will follow the MSCA Doctoral Network principles of

• Open, transparent and merit-based selection
• Equal opportunities and non-discrimination
• Evaluation by a qualified selection committee

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews. The selection process will be properly documented in accordance with MSCA requirements.

The INM practices an open and appreciative corporate culture in which the existing diversity is promoted and lived. The institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy, and it provides offers for a better work-life balance, flextime, and mobile working. We promote professional opportunities for women and strongly encourage them to apply. People with disabilities are expressly encouraged to apply and will be given priority if equally qualified.

This will receive funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 101311389.