Postdoc (m/f/d) “Lignin-based Carbon Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries” at HIPOLE Jena

Role: Postdoc (m/f/d) “Lignin-based Carbon Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries” at HIPOLE Jena

Organization: Helmholtz Institute HIPOLE: Helmholtz-Institute for Polymers in Energy Applications Jena (HI-POLE), part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers.

Job Description:
The Helmholtz Institute HIPOLE is looking for a Postdoc (m/f/d) for the role “Lignin-based Carbon Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries” at HIPOLE Jena.

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 (Requirements and Qualifications):
- 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
- High level of commitment, initiative, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to familiarize yourself with diverse areas of responsibility
- Teamwork skills, reliability, independence, and communication abilities (including proficiency in English)
- Enjoy working in an interdisciplinary, international team within a diverse and dynamic work environment

What They Offer:
- Employment contract limited to 24 months, with the possibility of extension
- Work within the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest scientific organisation with more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion