Postdoctoral Position On Reversible Binders For Sustainable Battery Electrodes (FMD)

Saarbrücken - Germany

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The INM Department Structure Formation (SF) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within the BMFTR-funded research project RevEl Reversible Electrodes for Resource-Efficient and Circular Energy Storage.

Project Description:

The RevEl project aims to replace PTFE-based dry binders with fluorine-free nanocomposites that combine mechanical robustness during battery operation with controlled debonding-on-demand at end-of-life to enable direct recycling.

Within this project the focus of the Department Structure Formation (SF) is on developing and characterizing the hybrid binder systems. The research integrates polymer science composite engineering interfacial mechanics and chemical polymer design to eastablish a new binder type that is suitable for industrially scalable dry electrode processing.

The successful candidate will play a central role in engineering fibrillar composite architectures that mimic PTFE performance while introducing recyclability and regulatory compliance.

Your Tasks:

Develop and characterize thermoplastic polymer-nanofiller composites for dry electrode processing
Engineer fibrillar composite network structures with tailored morphology
Develop processing routes
Perform advanced structural and physicochemical characterization (SEM SAXS DLS DSC TGA DMA rheology adhesion testing FTIR Raman XPS)
Quantify adhesion cohesion rheological thermal mechanical properties
Establish structureproperty relationships relevant to electrode applications
Investigate thermally or chemically triggered debonding mechanisms
Analyze recovered materials to assess recyclability and dispersion quality
Contribute to peer-reviewed publications technical reports and potential intellectual property
Collaborate with internal and external project partners
Ensure timely milestone reporting and structured project documentation

Your Profile:

Expected:

Completed PhD in Materials Science Polymer Science Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering (materials focus) or related field
Demonstrated laboratory experience in polymer-filler composite fabrication
Experience with at least several of the following techniques: SEM SAXS DLS DSC TGA DMA AFM rheology adhesion testing FTIR Raman or comparable methods
Evidence of scientific output (e.g. peer-reviewed publications preprints patents software industrial reports or comparable research contributions)
Experience analyzing structureproperty relationships in polymer and composite systems
Ability to independently plan experiments and document results
Strong written and oral communication skills in English
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative project

Benefitial are:

Experience with anisotropic nanoscale fillers and their surface modification
Background in adhesion science and interfacial mechanics
Familiarity with dynamic or reversible polymer networks
Knowledge of battery materials or dry electrode processing
Experience in industry-collaborative or application-driven research projects
Knowledge of FAIR data practices or structured data management

We Offer:

A 3-year E13 TV-L (full-time and with full social benefits) contract starting June 1st 2026.
A dynamic interdisciplinary and international research environment with excellent state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Strong industry integration and technology transfer perspective within a national battery consortium.
A cooperative friendly and supportive environment with plenty of opportunities to interact with other researchers.
Opportunities for scientific training conference participation and career development.

Applications will be accepted until March 31 2026.

How to Apply:

Please send us the following through the online application system:

Motivation letter
CV (max 2 pages)
Publication list
Academic transcripts
Contact details of 2-3 references

For more information on the institute please see: INM practices an open and appreciative corporate culture in which the existing diversity is promoted and lived. The institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy and it provides offers for a better work-life balance flextime and mobile working. We promote professional opportunities for women and strongly encourage them to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority

The INM Department Structure Formation (SF) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within the BMFTR-funded research project RevEl Reversible Electrodes for Resource-Efficient and Circular Energy Storage.Project Description:The RevEl project aims to replace PTFE-based dry binder...