Job Information
Organisation/Company: University of Salzburg
Department: Chemistry and Physics of Materials
Research Field: Physics » Computational physics; Chemistry » Physical chemistry; Engineering » Materials engineering
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Application Deadline: 9 Sep 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Vienna)
Country: Austria
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 30
Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
Sodium-ion batteries with hard-carbon anodes represent a promising next-generation battery technology, yet there is no consensus on the physical origin behind their characteristic low-voltage plateau. This project will, on one hand, synthesize hard carbon anodes, characterize their nanostructure and electrochemistry via ex situ and operando SAXS/WAXS, and, on the other hand, study Na incorporation into model systems of these nanostructures by DFT calculations. Using this combination of techniques, we will test competing explanations for how sodium is stored in these carbon nanostructures and establish a validated, structure-based design principle for hard carbon anodes with better rate capability and energy density.
The successful candidate will perform this interdisciplinary work jointly between the Energy Materials and Materials Theory groups with access to state-of-the-art laboratory and high-performance-computing infrastructure.
Your tasks
- Synthesize hard-carbon anodes
- Characterize their nanostructure via ex-situ and operando small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS)
- Perform electrochemical characterization
- Establish model nanostructures of increasing complexity and carry out density functional theory (DFT) calculations of Na incorporation
- Analyze DFT results to contrast different explanations for the low-voltage plateau and develop a phenomenological model for Na storage as a function of relevant structural parameters
- Publish results in international journals and present them at conferences
Admission Requirements
- Completed MSc degree in material science, physics, physical chemistry, or a closely related discipline
- Experience with at least one of X-ray scattering techniques, electrochemistry, or density functional theory calculations
- Excellent oral and written English language skills
- Enrollment in the subject-specific doctoral program at the University of Salzburg
We Offer
We offer an annual gross salary of at least € 52,865.40 for a fulltime position. An overpayment based on qualification and experience is possible.
The University of Salzburg aims to increase the proportion of women in scientific and general university staff, particularly in leadership positions, and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. In cases of equal qualification, women will be given preference.
- Social and Environmental Responsibility: i.a. bicycle initiatives, art and cultural offerings, sustainability initiative “PLUS Green Campus”
- Comprehensive Financial Benefits: i.a. additional company pension schemes, commuting subsidies, support for the “Klimaticket” (climate ticket), discounts at the USI (University Sports Institute) and the Language Center, numerous corporate cooperations
- Diverse Continuing Education Offerings: i.a. ongoing internal and external training, coaching sessions, Erasmus+ staff training programs
- Life-Phase-Oriented Work: i.a. childcare places for infants, holiday programs, paid lunch breaks, meeting policy
- Health and Preventive Care: i.a. health programs, vaccination and preventive care campaigns, psychological counseling sessions
- Additional Benefits: Click here
About us
The University of Salzburg is a thriving university in Austria with a strong focus on research. The university stands for outstanding achievements in both research and teaching in the areas of (digital) humanities, life sciences, sustainability of (social) processes and the link between art and science. With the four guiding themes of Art in Context, Development & Sustainability, Digital Life and Health & Mind, the university offers researchers excellent opportunities for inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation.
People with disabilities or chronic illnesses who meet the required qualification criteria are expressly encouraged to apply. For information, please contact us at +43/662/8044-2462 or at disability@plus.ac.at.
Unfortunately, travel and accommodation costs incurred in connection with the application process cannot be reimbursed.
Appointments are made according to the provisions of the Austrian Universities Act 2002 (UG) and the Salaried Employees Act.
General information about working at the University of Salzburg can be found here: Career at the University of Salzburg
Organisational Unit
The Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials is a very international department, where the foundations and applications of materials are researched and taught from a comprehensive chemical/physical point of view.
Contact
For informal enquiries, please contact either christian.prehal@plus.ac.at or ulrichjohannes.aschauer@plus.ac.at.
Become part of the team of University of Salzburg - we are looking forward to your application!
Where to apply
Website: https://karriere.plus.ac.at/en/jobs/d9e74d63-adb1-445e-997d-c48d61bba8a3
Requirements
Research Field: Physics - Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Engineering » Materials engineering - Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Chemistry » Physical chemistry - Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Completed MSc degree in material science, physics, physical chemistry, or a closely related discipline
- Experience with at least one of X-ray scattering techniques, electrochemistry, or density functional theory calculations
- Excellent oral and written English language skills
- Enrollment in the subject-specific doctoral program at the University of Salzburg
Languages: ENGLISH - Level: Excellent
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: University of Salzburg / Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials
Country: Austria
Contact
State/Province: Salzburg
City: Salzburg
Website: https://www.plus.ac.at/chemie-und-physik-der-materialien/research/
Street: Jakob-Haringer-Straße 2
Postal Code: 5200