Doctoral Researcher/PhD

Entry date:
as soon as possible

Application deadline:
2026-11-15

Salary:
E 13 TV-H

Duration:
3 years

Volume of employment:
part-time (75%)

The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, offers a variety of excellent programs of study for around 22,000 students and confronts the important topics of our time through excellent research across a broad spectrum of sciences.

The Department of Physics and the Marburg Center for Quantum Materials and Sustainable Technologies (mar.quest), research group on “Functional Materials”, Prof. Dr. Kerstin Volz is currently accepting applications for two

The positions are offered for a period of 3 years, if no former times of qualification must be considered. The starting date is as soon as possible. The positions are part-time 75% of regular working hours with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13, 75%).

Fuel cells are promising components of our future energy supply. As part of an international team of researchers, we investigate their targeted synthesis and quantify their properties, thereby enabling the development of materials for the energy transition.

Within the DFG-funded project SynDiPET (Synergistic Design of Proton-Conducting Ceramics for Energy Technology), we are responsible for the structural and electronic characterization of fuel cell materials, employing state-of-the-art electron microscopy methods.

For your research, you will have access to various preparation techniques, such as focused ion beam (FIB) milling with noble gases and gallium, as well as two conventional (scanning) transmission electron microscopes ((S)TEM). Furthermore, an additional cutting-edge STEM is available in the ATEMMA (Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy, Marburg) research building, equipped with a novel precession system for electron diffraction, a high-end spectrometer, a monochromator, and state-of-the-art 4D-STEM cameras. In-situ experiments are also possible to investigate structural evolution in fuel cells during synthesis or operation. With this unique infrastructure, you will have the ideal conditions for groundbreaking research.

Tasks:

• Scientific services in research and teaching
• Electron microscopic quantification of the structure, composition, and electronic properties of fuel cell materials
• Application and (further) development of state-of-the-art electron microscopy methods (e.g., ptychography and electron energy loss spectroscopy with a monochromated beam)
• In-situ investigation of fuel cell materials under synthesis and operating conditions
• Intensive cooperation with the sample preparation and device development teams to examine structure-property-relations

The position is limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. As part of the assigned duties, there will be ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. The limitation complies to Section 2(1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).

Profile:

• MSc-degree or equivalent in Physics, Material Science, or a similar discipline
• A strong foundation in solid-state physics
• Enthusiasm for experimental research and working with cutting-edge instrumentation
• Experience in electron microscopy
• Basic knowledge of ceramic materials

Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected.

We offer:

• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge scientific questions regarding future-oriented materials
• State-of-the-art equipment and research infrastructure
• Flexible working conditions within a highly motivated team of international researchers

We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.

Contact for more Information

Prof. Dr. Kerstin Volz

+49 6421-28 22297

kerstin.volz@uni-marburg.de

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in the Social Security Code (Section 2(2) and (3) of Book IX of the Social Security Code (SGB IX)) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Please apply by 15 November 2026 using the application-button below.

Online application