Research assistant (m/f/d)

Clausthal University of Technology is a strong research university with a high level of national and international networking. The approximately 80 professors and over 1,100 employees as well as around 3,000 students enjoy short distances, a personal approach and the diverse landscape of the Upper Harz in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Clausthal University of Technology is the most important economic factor and the largest employer in the region and offers cultural diversity and internationality. Here, science works particularly closely with industry and thus builds the bridge from basic research to application. The strategic focus of TU Clausthal's concept for the future is the "circular economy" with its manifestations of a sustainable circular economy, renewable energies and digital transformation. We research, teach and work to build a sustainable society in the digital age.

As part of a third-party funded project of the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Department of Solid State Kinetics at the Institute of Metallurgy at Clausthal University of Technology is seeking to fill the position of

Research Associate (m/f/d)
in the field of materials science

for the duration of 3 years. There is the possibility of a doctorate. The proportion of working hours depends on your qualifications and is up to 100% of regular working hours.

The topic:

Lithium-ion accumulators are among the most important rechargeable energy storage systems in modern battery technology. Further optimization of charging and discharging speed, power density and specific capacity requires a deeper understanding of the underlying lithium-ion transport processes within the electrode materials. In this project, Li diffusion in the current cathode material LiMnxFe1-xPO4 will be systematically investigated and fundamentally characterized.

Your tasks:

Your task is to work independently on a third-party funded project with the support of the members of our working group. You will prepare LiMnxFe1-xPO4 bulk samples by sintering and design and realize experiments on ion transport in solids using secondary ion mass spectrometry and electrochemical methods. You will present the results at conferences and in international publications.

Your profile:

We are looking for motivated, independent applicants with a university degree (Master's or equivalent) in materials science, physics, chemistry or a comparable subject. Ideally, you will have previous knowledge in the field of electrochemical characterization of accumulators or diffusion in solids. Further prerequisites are enjoyment of basic experimental work as well as creativity in problem solving and strong teamwork and communication skills. Good written and spoken German and English language skills are required.

We offer:

  • a varied and challenging job in the lively environment of a university
  • a salary in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L), as well as a special annual payment at the end of the year in accordance with the TV-L and a separate supplementary pension as a company pension (VBL), 30 days' vacation and days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
  • Compatibility of career and family through flexible working and part-time models as well as mobile working within the scope of official possibilities
  • Company health management and university sports facilities
  • Future-oriented development and qualification opportunities
  • the opportunity to actively participate in the further development of our university
  • all the benefits of employment in the public sector.

Clausthal University of Technology supports the compatibility of career and family through flexible working time models within the scope of official possibilities and is a member of the university association "Family in the University".

Equality in all its facets, equal opportunities, diversity and family friendliness are important to Clausthal University of Technology. People with disabilities are given priority if they are suitable. Applications from people of all nationalities are welcome.

Please send your application with meaningful documents by 30.09.2025 by e-mail in a PDF file to

Clausthal University of Technology
Institute of Metallurgy
Prof. Dr. Harald Schmidt
E-mail: harald.schmidt@tu-clausthal.de

Further information on the working group: www.tu-clausthal.de/solid-state-kinetics

Data protection in the application procedure:

https://www.tu-clausthal.de/universitaet/karriere-ausbildung/stellenangebote/hinweise-zum-datenschutz-im-bewerbungsverfahren

Submitted application documents will be destroyed after completion of the selection procedure in compliance with legal regulations. Application costs cannot be reimbursed.