INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken

The INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials in Saarbrücken, Germany, is an internationally leading center for materials research, a scientific partner to national and international research institutions, and a research and development provider for numerous companies throughout the world. The INM is a member of the Leibniz Association and has about 250 employees.

The INM Energy Materials Group explores the next-generation ways for electrochemical lithium-ion recovery in the context of water remediation and recycling. Within the framework of a third-party funded project, we seek to fill the following vacancy:

Ph.D. student (m/f/d) for electrochemical lithium-ion extraction

Desired starting date: April 1^st, 2026 (or sooner), salary level E13 TV-L 60% (with potential increase during the project), contract limited to three years (with possible extension). As a Ph.D. student, you would graduate from Saarland University.

Your tasks

• Synthesis and characterization of electrochemically ion-selective electrode materials (such as lithium-iron phosphate and lithium superionic conductors).
• Operation and continued design optimization of electrochemical desalination cells and processes.
• Electrochemical characterization and performance benchmarking.
• Leading efforts related to experimental work, data analysis, and publications.
• Support of the overall scientific work of synergetic nanomaterial research.
• Communication and collaboration with academic and industry partners.

Your profile

• M.Sc. in chemistry, materials science, energy materials, or a related field.
• Experience with desalination technologies and ion separation.
• Experience with electrochemical methods and material characterization.
• Ability to work as a member of an international, multi-disciplinary team.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, thorough command of the English language. German language knowledge is very beneficial.

Your benefits

• An exciting position in a dynamic research team that interacts with leading international researchers and industrial partners.
• A unique opportunity to research on pioneering methods for electrochemical lithium-ion recovery and separation.
• Strong support to perform high-quality research and to present and publish your research results (journals, conferences).
• An interdisciplinary and international workplace with excellent infrastructure.
• A comprehensive benefits package (flexible working hours, mobile working, company pension scheme).

Interested? Want to know more? Just contact us!

We are looking forward to receiving your application (CV, a complete list of publications, a one-page motivation letter, and at least two letters of reference) by January 31^st, 2026. Conveniently use our online application system: https://www.leibniz-inm.de/stellenangebote/

The INM is an equal-opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy, and it offers a better work-life balance, flextime, and mobile working. We promote the professional opportunities of women and strongly encourage them to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Contact:

INM - Leibniz-Institute for New Materials gGmbH
Head of Energy Materials - Prof. Volker Presser
Campus D2 2 in 66123 Saarbruecken, Saarland, Germany