PhD student (m/f/d)

Universität Bayreuth

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, inter­disci­pli­nary focus areas in research and teaching. The Chair of Operando-Analytics for Electrochemical Energy Storage is part of Bavarian Center for Battery Technology (BayBatt). BayBatt brings together battery-specific expertise in physics and chemistry, material science and engineering, as well as information technology and economics as a supra-regional competence center located in Bayreuth.

We are currently seeking to appoint a to commence as soon as possible for the structural characterization of wall materials for nuclear fusion reactors. The position (E 13 TV-L, 50 %) is initially limited to one year to define the project. The project is supported by the initiative “Mission Kernfusion” of the Federal State of Bavaria. The successful candidate is actively collaborating with the Chair of Ceramic Composites and the Chair of Inorganic Chemistry III of the University Bayreuth coordinating the project.

Your responsibilities:

• Interdisciplinary work on wall materials for nuclear fusion reactors within in a strong team
• Structural analysis and testing of wall materials for nuclear fusion reactors
• Synthesis of composite materials
• Participating in measurement trips to expose the composites to high energy radiation and explore the structural stability in situ.
• Utilization of modern test equipment, e. g. electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction, pair distribution functional analysis
• Generating unprecedented insights into the structural stability of wall materials for nuclear fusion
• Teaching support

Your profile:

• An excellent Master degree in inorganic chemistry or material science
• Expertise in solid state chemistry and the preparation of high-temperature composite
• Experience with the above-mentioned analytical techniques and related data analysis
• Knowledge in local structure characterization using modern aberration corrected transmission electron microscopes and/or scanning electron microscopes is beneficial
• Open-minded, team-oriented pragmatic, and solution-oriented character
• Highly motivated in planning, conducting, and evaluating experiments
• Excellent communication skills (talking and writing), also in English

What you can expect:

• Forward-looking and state of the art subject areas
• Modern working conditions in a creative working environment
• Flexible working hours
• University health management
• Constructive working atmosphere in an international team
• Compatibility of family and career

The University of Bayreuth views the diversity of its staff as an asset and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Female scholars and any persons who can help make the research and teaching profile of the university more diverse are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are highly welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the best practice club Family at University. In addition, an extended audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) returned a favourable review for the University of Bayreuth’s commitment to internationalization. All qualifications being equal, applicants with disabilities will be given priority.

Please apply online with detailed application documents by 30^th November 2025 using the application portal of the University of Bayreuth, stating the password “PhD Fusion”. Application documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection law following the conclusion of the appointment process. Only candidates who are invited for an interview will receive a response.

If you have any questions, please contact: Prof. Dr. Thomas Lunkenbein, Chair of Operando-Analytics for Electrochemical Energy Storage (operando@uni-bayreuth.de)