Faculty of Mechanical Engineering :
Atomic-scale Characterisation
Institute for Materials
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a

Three-year PhD position (m/f/x) in ‘Synthesis and atomic-scale characterization of high entropy alloy nanoparticles for electrocatalysis (salary 13 TV-L, 100%)

The chair „Atomic-scale Characterisation“ is studying materials at the atomic level.
High entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles have attracted increasing interest in catalyzing heterogeneous solid-liquid reactions. However, the fundamental insights into the interplay of reactivity, structure and composition of HEA electrocatalyst surfaces are far less understood. In particular, it remains challenging to characterize surface compositional and structural changes on the HEA nanoparticles due to complexity induced by multiple elements. This knowledge gap prevents their application for new sustainable energy conversion and storage applications.

In this project, the successful candidate will synthesis high entropy alloy nanoparticles for water electrocatalysis or fuel cell applications (hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution or reduction reaction). Afterward, the candidate will characterize these nanoparticles by a combination of high-end spectroscopy and microscopy techniques such as atom probe tomography, aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy etc. The three-dimensional surface and internal structure and chemistry of catalyst nanoparticles will be revealed, with single atom sensitivity, before and after service. This atomic-scale information will provide a rational guide to nano-engineering catalysts in order to develop cost-effective and high efficiency sustainable energy sources.

Scope:	full-time
Duration:	fixed-term, 3 years
Start:	at the earliest possible date
Apply by:	2026-07-12

Your tasks:

• The PhD candidates will work closely with other members in the Chair of Atomic-scale Characterization (Home). Additionally, the successful candidate will be working in the new research center for interface-dominated high-performance materials (ZGH) at Ruhr University Bochum, which houses a large and comprehensive suite of equipment dedicated to nanostructure analysis; the center is among the best facilities of its kind in the world. He or she will have access to world-class set of laboratories (e.g. glove boxes) and more than 10 major microscopy platforms, including the state-of-the-art atom probe, aberration-corrected TEM and focused ion beam etc.
• Synthesis of high entropy alloy nanoparticles for water electrocatalysis or fuel cell applications (hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution or reduction reaction)
• Carrying out electrochemical measurements of the nanoparticles including CV, LSV, Tafel slopes etc.
• Performing basic characterization such as transmission electron microscopy In-depth characterization of high-end spectroscopy and microscopy techniques such as atom probe tomography, aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy
• Writing the paper and presenting the work in international/national conferences/workshops.

Your profile:

• An excellent master degree in materials science, inorganic chemistry, nanoparticle synthesis, or electrochemistry
• Experience with synthesis of high entropy alloy nanoparticles via e,g, wet chemical, hydrothermal, thermal decomposition methods etc.
• Experience with hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction or evolution reactions.
• Can independently conduct potentiostat measurements including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronopotentiomery, Chronoamperometry etc
• A high level of spoken and written English
• Self-motivated and eager to learn
• Ability to plan and organize the PhD project effectively
• Ideally: experiences in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data analysis

We offer:

Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr

Further information:

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L).
If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E 13 TV-L.

Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German).

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.

Please send your complete and informative application documents (informative cover letter, CV with certificates) as one pdf document.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees. 
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF).
https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.

Contact persons for further information:

Prof. Dr. Tong Li
, Tel.: +49 234 32 26099

Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-07-12. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5778.

Online application

Online application