Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories - your own and those of our university.

Support us from 01.10.2025 in part-time (67 %) as a

Research Assistant (m/f/d)
with a focus on battery research

The position is part of the project “FestNaBor - Solid-state sodium-ion batteries based on boron-containing electrolytes” funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, and is to be filled until June 30, 2028. It will be based at the Institute of Physical Chemistry (Prof. Dr. Jürgen Janek) at the Faculty of Biology and Chemistry. The salary is in accordance with the collective labor agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).

Within the framework of the project, you will carry out studies of interfacial degradation at positive and negative electrodes for closo-borate-based solid-state sodium batteries (Na-SSB) to investigate the cyclization properties and interfacial stabilities.

Your tasks at a glance

• Preparation and investigation of cathode composites (electrochemical behavior, microstructure); characterization of degradation products using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS)
• Investigation of the stability of relevant closo-borate solid electrolytes in contact with metal anodes by XPS and ToF-SIMS; Identification and characterization of degradation products; Electrochemical measurements of interfacial stability (time-resolved impedance spectroscopy)
• Close cooperation with colleagues within the project network
• Participating in project meetings and national and international scientific conferences
• Publishing results in scientific journals

Your qualifications and competences

• A scientific university degree in chemistry, physics or materials science (MSc, diploma or equivalent) with at least the mark "good"
• Knowledge of materials and interface chemistry as well as surface analytical methods (esp. ToF-SIMS, XPS)
• Practical knowledge of cell construction as well as electrochemical knowledge. Experimental experience and skill in the preparation and characterization (surface analysis, electrochemical measurement methods) of batteries and battery materials (especially under inert gas atmosphere) are required.
• Good IT skills, especially for data evaluation
• Proficiency in German and/or English (spelling and grammar)
• Strong communication skills and an interdisciplinary, open mindset
• Excellent written expression and scientific writing style for publication

Our offer to you

• Interdisciplinary research in the field of analysis of energy-relevant materials with excellent equipment in a world-renowned research institute
• A varied job in a dynamic team with flexible working hours
• Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
• More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
• Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
• Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "audit familiengerechte hochschule")

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Bjoern Luerssen by e-mail (bjoern.luerssen@uni-giessen.de).

JLU welcomes qualified applications regardless of biological and social gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, age as well as sexual orientation and identity. The JLU aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with the women's promotion plan. We therefore particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. JLU is certified as a family-friendly university. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.

You want to break new ground with us?

Apply via our online form by August 21st, 2025, indicating reference number 428/08. We look forward to receiving your application.

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Work Location: In person