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 provider of research and development for companies throughout the world. The INM is an institute of the Leibniz Association and has about 250 employees.

The INM research department Structure Formation (SF) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within the BMFTR-funded research project "RevEl – Reversible Electrodes for Resource-Efficient and Circular Energy Storage".

Project Description:

The RevEl project aims to replace PTFE-based dry binders with fluorine-free nanocomposites that combine mechanical robustness during battery operation with controlled debonding-on-demand at end-of-life to enable direct recycling.

Within this project, the focus of Structure Formation Department (SF) is on developing and characterizing the hybrid binder systems. The research integrates polymer science, composite engineering, interfacial mechanics, and chemical polymer design to eastablish a new binder type that is suitable for industrially scalable dry electrode processing.

The successful candidate will play a central role in engineering fibrillar composite architectures that mimic PTFE performance while introducing recyclability and regulatory compliance.

Your Tasks:

• Develop and characterize thermoplastic polymer-nanofiller composites for dry electrode processing
• Engineer fibrillar composite network structures with tailored morphology
• Develop processing routes
• Perform advanced structural and physicochemical characterization (SEM, SAXS, DLS, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology, adhesion testing, FTIR, Raman, XPS)
• Quantify adhesion, cohesion, rheological, thermal, mechanical properties
• Establish structure–property relationships relevant to electrode applications
• Investigate thermally or chemically triggered debonding mechanisms
• Analyze recovered materials to assess recyclability and dispersion quality
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and potential intellectual property
• Collaborate with internal and external project partners
• Ensure timely milestone reporting and structured project documentation

Your Profile - Expected

• Completed PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (materials focus), or related field
• Demonstrated laboratory experience in polymer-filler composite fabrication
• Experience with at least several of the following techniques: SEM, SAXS, DLS, DSC, TGA, DMA, AFM, rheology, adhesion testing, FTIR, Raman, or comparable methods
• Evidence of scientific output (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, preprints, patents, software, industrial reports, or comparable research contributions)
• Experience analyzing structure–property relationships in polymer and composite systems
• Ability to independently plan experiments and document results
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative projects

Benefitial are:

• Experience with anisotropic nanoscale fillers and their surface modification
• Background in adhesion science and interfacial mechanics
• Familiarity with dynamic or reversible polymer networks
• Knowledge of battery materials or dry electrode processing
• Experience in industry-collaborative or application-driven research projects
• Knowledge of FAIR data practices or structured data management

We Offer:

• A 3-year E13 TV-L (full-time and with full social benefits) contract starting June 1st, 2026.
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with excellent, state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• Strong industry integration and technology transfer perspective within a national battery consortium.
• A cooperative, friendly and supportive environment, with plenty of opportunities to interact with other researchers.
• Opportunities for scientific training, conference participation, and career development.

Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2026.

How to Apply:

Please send us the following through the online application system - https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/job-offers-2/

• Motivation letter
• CV (max 2 pages)
• Publication list
• Academic transcripts
• Contact details of 2-3 references

For more information on the institute, please see: https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/

The INM practices an open and appreciative corporate culture in which the existing diversity is promoted and lived. The institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy, and it provides offers for a better work-life balance, flextime, and mobile working. We promote professional opportunities for women and strongly encourage them to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.