Research Associate for the Project “Cluster of Excellence ‚CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter‘- Theory of advanced x-ray techniques for studying the dynamics of energy-storage materials ” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
Institution Cluster of Excellence „Advanced Imaging of Matter“ (photon and nanosciences)
Salary level
Start date as soon as possible, fixed for a period of two years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline 14.08.2024
Scope of work full-time position suitable for part-time
Your responsibilities
In the period from as soon as possible until 31.12.2025, duties primarily include teaching and research. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.
In the period from 01.01.2026 for the remaining time, duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.
The diffusion of light alkali-metal ions (such as Li+ or Na+) and the accompanying reduction of transition metals within intercalation materials are fundamental processes in a wide range of battery cathodes. Directly measuring these processes can provide valuable insights for designing novel fast-charging materials. However, techniques capable of capturing information at both atomic length scales and relevant timescales are currently lacking. Accelerator-based x-ray photon sources, such as x-ray free-electron lasers and next-generation storage rings, offer short, intense, tunable, and transversely coherent x-ray pulses with the potential to overcome these limitations. Yet, their application has been restricted due to the absence of suitable methodologies.
The successful candidate will develop the theoretical foundation for a novel technique to address this challenge. This technique will utilize x-ray scattering at the transition-metal K-edge, which is sensitive to the oxidation state of the transition metal, and analyze the resulting time-dependent x-ray speckle patterns, which are sensitive to diffusion. To that end, the candidate will employ state-of-the-art electronic structure theory and molecular dynamics simulations to model local atomic environment changes upon Li+ insertion, such as alterations in transition-metal x-ray scattering properties and displacements of neighboring atoms, as well as Li+ diffusion pathways and rates. Based on these calculations, the candidate will predict the expected measurement signals and determine optimal observation conditions. This study will lay the groundwork for proof-of-principle experiments at x-ray free-electron lasers that will be designed in collaboration with experimental groups. Another specific duty is teaching of four hours per week during teaching times (4 LVS) in the period from as soon as possible until 31.12.2025.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field plus doctorate.
Prospective candidates
1. have completed their graduate studies (Ph.D. or equivalent) in a relevant field of theoretical physics or theoretical quantum chemistry
2. have programming skills and experience in application and development (preferred) of electronic structure codes, e.g. experience with GGA DFT+U
3. have knowledge about intercalation materials containing transition metals
4. have knowledge about molecular dynamics simulations
5. ideally have knowledge of the theory of x-ray - matter interaction and x-ray scattering techniques
6. are highly motivated to learn, develop and apply new theoretical methods
7. have excellent command in spoken and written English
8. are team players, eager to communicate, motivated in peer-to-peer learning with group members and collaborators
We offer
9. Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
10. Continuing education opportunities
11. University pensions
12. Attractive location
13. Flexible working hours
14. Work-life balance opportunities
15. Health management
16. Educational leave
17. 30 days of vacation per annum
Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.
The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg promotes equal opportunity. As women are currently underrepresented in this job category at University of Hamburg according to the evaluation, HambGleiG), we encourage women to apply for this position. Equally qualified and suitable female applicants will receive preference.
Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.