Staff Scientist

Understanding the fundamental physicochemical properties of energy materials is crucial to a sustainable design of our environment. At the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science - Neutron Analytics for Energy Research (JCNS-3), we aim to address the dynamic and electronic properties of energy materials employing neutron spectroscopy. Examples are the dynamics and diffusion of protons and lithium ions in fuel cells and batteries, or the binding states of adsorbate molecules on catalyst surfaces.

**Your Job**:

- Characterization of the dynamical and structural properties of energy materials using neutron spectroscopy supported by complementary experimental techniques or theoretical simulations
- Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of energy materials or their model systems
- Acquisition of third-party funded projects and direct responsibility for project content and implementation
- Establishment of cooperation projects with other institutes at Forschungszentrum Jülich, e.g. the Institute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK), the Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW), or institutes at RWTH Aachen University
- Participation in experiments as well as design and construction of instruments and/or sample environments with practical work at neutron sources
- Supervision of PhD, MSc and BSc students
- Presentation of research results at conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals
- Representation of JCNS-3 in project meetings and on international conferences to foster our network

**Your Profile**:
Required qualifications and skills:

- Masters degree and PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science or related disciplines
- Experience in neutron spectroscopy, e.g. INS, QENS, NSE
- Good knowledge of the structural characterization of matter with e.g. powder diffraction
Experience with energy materials, e.g. fuel cells, batteries, heterogeneous catalysts, interfaces

A distinct advantage would be:

- Experience with high-level programming languages, e.g. Python
- A good command of written and spoken English; knowledge of German is desirable or the willingness to learn/improve it
- The ability to work independently, along with a highly motivated and creative approach to research
- Demonstrated teamwork, cooperation and communication skills
- Previous supervision of graduate or PhD students, as well as laboratory or instrument responsibilities

**Our Offer**:
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change We support you in your work with:

- Access to a strong research network at the FZJ, such as transmission electron microscopy at the Ernst-Ruska-Zentrum, the Julich Supercomputing Centre, the Neutron-SimLab or various physicochemical characterization methods and workshops
- The opportunity to help shape a new department
- Access to the infrastructure of the Institute of Crystallography, RWTH Aachen University
- Comprehensive training programs and individual opportunities for personal and professional development
- Comprehensive company health management
- Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life as well as a family-conscious company policy
- Flexible working hours in a full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours
- 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
- The opportunity to work flexibly (in terms of location), e.g. from home
Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
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We offer you an exciting and varied role in an international and interdisciplinary working environment. The position is initially for a fixed term of 2 years, with possible long-term prospects. Salary and social benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group 13 - 14, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to them.