The Max Planck Society (MPG) is one of the largest research associations in Germany dedicated to multidisciplinary fundamental research. The Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart (MPI-FKF) is one of the largest out of 84 Max Planck Institutes/facilities, with more than 400 staff members. MPI-FKF is an international hub for ground breaking research in the field of quantum materials, nanoscale research, and energy science. We offer a vibrant research environment and top conditions for cutting-edge research at the highest level.

The Department for Nanochemistry (head: Prof. Bettina V. Lotsch) is looking for an  Experienced Postdoc (m/f/d) (Chemist / Material Scientist / Physicist (PhD)) for the SOLBAT project

The position

The SOLBAT initiative is funded by the Max Planck Foundation and poised to deliver pioneering work in the field of solar batteries and optoionics during the next five years. Research will focus on the emerging intersection of photo(electro)chemistry and solid state ionics and aim at the development of novel light storing devices and optoionic technologies, including various light-enhanced battery concepts, time-delayed (“dark”) photo(electro)catalysis, and light-assisted memory devices. The projects will be carried out in close collaboration with the Theory Department (head: Karsten Reuter) at the Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) and have a strong focus on AI-based evaluation methods and robotic material design for the next generation of optoionic materials. The SOLBAT project is expected to deliver a significant contribution to the transition towards a renewable and sustainable energy infrastructure, as well as the development of energy-efficient, miniaturized microsystems for next-generation data processing and storage. This initiative is unique on a global scale and is supposed to lay the foundations for a multidisciplinary network within the Max Planck Society and beyond.

Purpose of the role

• Scientific leadership of SOLBAT subprojects with electrochemistry focus; project conception and coordination
• Design and realization of solar batteries and related light-assisted optoionic concepts
• Investigation of optoionic processes on an atomistic scale and elucidation of structure- property-function relationships
• Scientific supervision of laboratory setups for electrochemical characterization techniques, including impedance spectroscopy, electroanalytical techniques, spectroelectrochemistry or related (operando, in situ, ex situ) (spectro)electrochemical methods
• Co-supervision of PhD students and postdocs
• Building and maintaining a network of external collaboration partners, both on the national and international level
• Administrative support, e.g. organizing and managing team meetings
• Conceptualizing and writing scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, patents, project proposals and reports, and contribution to science communication and scientific outreach activities in the context of SOLBAT

Your profile

• PhD in chemistry, material science, physics or a related subject with a focus on solid state electrochemistry/solid state ionics or (photo)electrochemistry
• Postdoctoral research experience in an international research environment
• In-depth knowledge of at least one (preferably more) of the following fields: solid state ionics/batteries, general and/or photoelectrochemistry; previous experience in optoionics is a plus
• Advanced experience in impedance spectroscopy and time- and frequency domain electrochemical techniques is required
• Specialized in-depth knowledge of spectroscopic methods (NMR, optical methods, etc.) is desirable
• Strong track record in independently composing and publishing research papers, patents, and project proposals/reports
• Experience in student (co-)supervision
• Strong cooperation and communication skills  
• Fluent English speaking and writing skills

Our offer

• A full-time position until December 2028 with salary and benefits according to the Collective Agreement of the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), funded by the Max Planck Foundation
• A vibrant research environment at the highest international level with close collaboration opportunities with our theory partners at FHI Berlin as well as other partners within Germany and abroad
• Access to a cutting-edge research infrastructure, service facilities and technical support infrastructure (machine workshop etc.) at MPI-FKF and within the Max Planck Society to support your scientific goals
• Supportive environment for academic qualification and training and to foster personal strengths via comprehensive training programs of the MPG
• Support to attend workshops and conferences to develop your scientific network
• Extended social infrastructure, e.g. in-house childcare, sports courses, language courses, in-house cantina etc.

Please email Sebastian Bette and Saunak Das at solbat2024@fkf.mpg.de using the title ‘SOLBAT’ and submit as a single PDF: (i) one-page cover letter and (ii) CV (including publication list, research description, and contacts of at least two referees).

Possible starting date is September, 1st 2024 or earlier. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The Max Planck Society endeavors to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.