Marie-Curie Network Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) for Electrochemical Interfaces in Energy Storage

Deadline
25.08.2026

Start of work
01.11.2026

Working time model
Full time (on site)

About us

Colloids and interfaces consist of very small or thin structures with linear dimensions between nanometers and micrometers. On the one hand, the possible structures represent a „world of hidden dimensions“. On the other hand, the dynamics and structures of these small entities determine the behavior of much larger systems such as organisms.

The Department of Colloid Chemistry (Director Prof. Dr. Markus Antonietti) at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPICI) in Potsdam Science Park, Germany announces the position of a Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) to join a European project network initiative (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) on the development of electrochemical interfaces in energy storage and conversion applications. The selected candidate will have the opportunity of joining the European network and is expected to pursue collaboration and secondments with the research network which includes partners from Germany, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, Italy and more.

The successful candidate will be responsible for synthesizing metal-free composite anode materials for sodium-ion batteries by exploring novel synthesis approaches for the deposition of metal-free thin films on active materials and investigate the role of interfaces in electrochemical energy storage devices.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving the development of metal-free thin films for electrochemical energy storage, including the materials synthesis, physico-chemical characterization, and electrochemical performances, analyses of results and literature review, preparation of periodical reports for the network, and publication of results in scientific journals. The candidate is also expected to join and actively participate in periodical seminars, meetings, and discussion with the team and the network.

Your tasks and qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated student with a background in Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, or a closely related field. The candidate should have a profile showing the following qualities:

A M.Sc. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
A strong scientific track record ideally demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
Commitment to the project development and timelines, team collaboration, and mobility
Preparation of periodical reports for the team, including data reports, analyses, and literature review
Previous experience with organic thin film synthesis, surface and interface chemistry characterization is expected
Previous experience with electrochemical setup and electrochemical characterization is a plus
Ability for both independent and team work
Strong motivation, scientific curiosity, and interest in interdisciplinary research
Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills in English. Written and oral communication skills in German is a plus.

What we offer

a stimulating, interdisciplinary environment within the vibrant scientific community of the Max Planck Institute
access to cutting-edge infrastructure, including advanced electrochemical and structural characterization tools
remuneration according to the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions standards
conditions and social benefits of the public sector
compatibility of family and career (e.g. company Kindergarten)
subsidy for the job ticket
canteen, with an offer of meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes
outdoor sports facilities on campus

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

The position is available starting from 01.11.2026 for a period of 36 months. The accepted candidate will work in the group led by Dr. Paolo Giusto (https://www.mpikg.mpg.de/2d-covalent-thin-films-for-energy-storage)

Please submit your application by online-application-management-tool, with attached PDF versions of your CV including a publication list, contact details of 2+ referees, and a short motivation letter (max 2 pages) containing your skills and experiences related to the position.

For further information about the Institute see