The term energy materials describes a huge range of materials, from solar cells, via electrocatalysts to batteries, all of which are highly important for a future sustainable society. At the same time, many of these applications still have a lot of room for improvement.

In many cases this comes down to an optimization of the used materials which is often hampered by an incomplete understanding of the occurring mechanisms on an atomistic scale. The Chair of Theoretical Physics VII focuses on the aspects of charge carrier transport in these materials. The advertised project aims at the development and/or application of state of the art techniques for the computer simulation of transport processes in energy materials. Used methods will thereby range from first-principles calculations, via multi-scale models up to machine learning-based analysis of the generated data.

Your profile

We are looking for excellent, highly motivated early-career researchers to join our research team. The ideal candidate should have a doctoral degree in physics or theoretical chemistry with a background in density functional theory preferably beyond standard ground state calculations, charge transport theory, and materials design. A further background in the simulation of materials' interfaces or 2D materials would be preferred.

Basic programming skills (Python or Fortran), first acquaintance with machine learning techniques and the Linux OS are welcome. Fluency in English is expected.

Our offer

We offer excellent working conditions in a newly established international team at the University of Bayreuth. The earliest starting date is 12/2022.

The salary and working hours are in accordance with the funding guidelines of the University of Bayreuth for early-career scientists. The salary is based on the public salary scale TV-L E13. The postdoc position (100%) is initially limited to two years and subject to possible extension. The position allows candidates to further their qualification. Successful candidates will work in an international group focusing on computational materials design (www.oberhofer.physik.uni-bayreuth.de). Finally, the faculty of physics and BayBatt offers ample room for the close collaboration with experimental colleagues from a variety of relevant fields, as an added advantage of the offer.

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees and is explicitly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Network "Familie in der Hochschule e.V.", and has successfully participated in the HRK audit "Internationalization of the University". Persons with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Please apply online via the Applicant portal Uni Bayreuth selecting “Theoretische Physik VII” from the drop-down menu. Your application should contain a cover letter.