Doctoral Researcher / PhD Position in Electron Microscopy of Fuel Cell Materials – University of Marburg – Germany

Summary

The Department of Physics at the University of Marburg, Germany, invites applications for two 3-year part-time (75%, 30 hours per week) Doctoral Researcher positions in Electron Microscopy of Fuel Cell Materials under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Kerstin Volz. The research is part of the DFG-funded SynDiPET collaborative project on proton-conducting ceramics for energy technology. Successful candidates will focus on structural and electronic characterization of fuel cell materials using state-of-the-art electron microscopy techniques (including STEM, TEM, EELS, 4D-STEM, and in-situ/operando methods) at the ATEMMA research facility. Remuneration is aligned with salary grade TV-H E 13 (75%). No application deadline or specific entry degree requirement is stated in the advertisement text.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Physics
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Physics
Research Area	Electron Microscopy of Fuel Cell Materials
Salary	TV-H E 13 (75%)
Funding	DFG (German Research Foundation)
Contract Duration	3 years

About the Project

The SynDiPET project (Synergistic Design of Proton-Conducting Ceramics for Energy Technology) is a DFG-funded collaborative research initiative focusing on proton-conducting ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs). The project aims to develop new ceramic materials, quantify structure-property relationships, investigate degradation mechanisms during operation, and optimize performance for energy technology through an integrated approach combining targeted synthesis, advanced electron microscopy characterization, property evaluation, and modeling.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent doctoral research on electron microscopic characterization of fuel cell materials
• Apply electron microscopy techniques to determine material structure at atomic and nanoscale
• Execute composition mapping, elemental analysis, and electronic structure characterization (EELS)
• Implement advanced methods including ptychography, monochromated EELS, and 4D-STEM
• Design and execute in-situ and operando experiments during synthesis and operation
• Work closely with sample preparation, device development, and synthesis teams
• Maintain detailed experimental records, process complex data, and write a doctoral dissertation

Benefits

• 75% of regular working hours (approx. 30 hours per week)
• Salary according to grade TV-H E 13 (75%)
• Access to state-of-the-art electron microscopy infrastructure (ATEMMA) including 4D-STEM, EELS, and FIB

About the Employer

The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, is one of Germany's oldest universities serving approximately 22,000 students. Its Department of Physics is a leading institution in fundamental and applied physics research, including materials physics and condensed matter. The Marburg Center for Quantum Materials and Sustainable Technologies (mar.quest) provides an interdisciplinary environment focused on materials research for energy solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the position located?

The position is located at the Department of Physics at the University of Marburg, Germany.

What is the contract duration and working hours?

The contract duration is 3 years with 75% of regular working hours (approximately 30 hours per week).

What is the salary grade for this PhD position?

The salary is determined by the TV-H E 13 (75%) grade.

Which research group and project is this position affiliated with?

The position is within the Functional Materials research group led by Prof. Dr. Kerstin Volz, as part of the DFG-funded SynDiPET project.