Reference no.: HI 2026/6
Achieving climate-neutrality within the next 20 years necessitates an innovation boost for the development of highly efficient, scalable, low-cost, and sustainably produced energy technologies. Polymer materials play a central role in this process. Energy storage and conversion materials, particularly sustainable batteries, play a central role in this context.
We are looking for a Postdoc (m/f/d) for our location in Jena starting June 1, 2026. You will have the opportunity to support the young institute from the very beginning with your ideas and expertise, and you will collaborate with researchers from around the world to contribute to the development of a climate-friendly future. The position is assigned to the research group of Prof. Dr. Martin Oschatz and the “KarBon” project, with the following thematic focus:
- KarBon is working on the optimization of sustainable carbon electrodes in terms of initial efficiency and specific capacity for application in sodium-ion batteries
- Particular focus is placed on converting open-porous to closed-porous structures using various coating processes, and on the fundamental investigation of particle and pore characteristics to achieve optimal sodium storage
- Another component is the scaling up and testing of the materials in larger cell formats, whereby the manufactured carbon materials are intended to stand out significantly from conventional hard carbons
- This project thus combines aspects of both fundamental research and application-oriented investigation of electrode materials, with the support of experienced industry partners
For more information on our thematic focus, please visit Homepage – HIPOLE Jena and Chair for Chemistry of Materials for Energy Applications | Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences.
Your Tasks
- Synthesis of carbon materials, preferably based on lignin or other sustainable carbon sources
- Application of various coating processes, such as liquid coating or chemical vapour deposition (CVD) on the produced carbon materials
- Scaling up the synthesis and coating processes to a scale of >100 g
- Structural characterization using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM and physisorption, and evaluation of the results
- Conducting electrochemical tests (e.g. cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic charging/discharging) in Swagelok cells, evaluating the results and interpreting them in relation to structural properties
- Presenting the results at seminars, project meetings and conferences, and publishing them in scientific journals
Your Profile
- Completed PhD in chemistry, materials science or a related field, with a focus on electrochemistry or carbon materials
- Proven expertise in the characterization of carbon materials (e.g. XPS, Raman, SEM) and adsorption methods
- Experience with alkali-ion batteries or capacitors, as well as the manufacture and testing of electrodes
- Solid knowledge in electrochemical methods (e.g. GCD, CV, EIS)
- Excellent written and spoken English
You demonstrate a high level of commitment, initiative, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to familiarize yourself with diverse areas of responsibility. You are characterized by your teamwork skills, reliability, independence, and communication abilities (including proficiency in English).
You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary, international team within a diverse and dynamic work environment.
Your Benefits at HZB
- Participation in a collaborative project involving renowned academic institutions and industry partners in Germany
- International/diversity-sensitive working environment at a Helmholtz Institute in the science city of Jena
- Opportunity to contribute to the development of novel materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future together with top international researchers
- Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual support and assistance programmes
- Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, part-time, hybrid working
- 30 days paid leave
- Health management, company pension scheme (VBL), subsidy for the Deutschlandticket/Jobticket
- Long-term prospects, opportunities for further development/training programmes
- Payment in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD-Bund)
The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).
How to apply
The employment contract is limited to 24 months. There is the possibility of extension. We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 15.06.2026. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.
We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.