Chemist / Material Scientist / Physicist (PhD) as a Theme Lead for the SOLBAT project

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 world-class research at the highest level.

The Department for Nanochemistry (head: Prof. Bettina V. Lotsch) is looking for a

Chemist / Material Scientist / Physicist (PhD) as a Theme Lead for the SOLBAT project

Your job:
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:
Operational and scientific leadership of the SOLBAT project, coordination of subprojects with different scientific foci
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
Conceptualizing the synthesis of optoionic materials by using AI, robotics, and data driven methods in close collaboration with the partner group at FHI
Build-up and maintenance of a network with external collaboration partners, both on the national and international level
Co-supervision of PhD students and postdocs
Conceptualizing and writing of 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 materials design (materials for photovoltaics, photocatalysis, battery materials, etc.), (photo)electrochemistry, solid state ionics, or optoelectronics
Postdoctoral research experience in an international research environment
In-depth knowledge in at least one (preferably more) of the following fields: solid state ionics / batteries, general electrochemistry, optoelectronics / photovoltaics; previous experience in optoionics is a plus
Specialized in-depth knowledge on spectroscopic methods (NMR, optical methods, time- and frequency domain electrochemical techniques, etc.) is desirable
Experience with the synthesis and handling of materials in inert atmospheres (glove box and Schlenk line) is beneficial
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 Andreas Gouder at [email protected] 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 May 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.