PhD Position: Na-Ion Batteries, University of Salzburg, France

Summary

The Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS), Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials, is offering a fully funded doctoral (PhD) position focused on investigating the physical mechanisms behind the characteristic low-voltage plateau in hard carbon anodes for sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries. The project combines experimental synthesis, operando X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS), electrochemical characterization, and computational density functional theory (DFT) simulations.

PhD Position: Origin of the Low-Voltage Plateau in Hard Carbon Anodes for Na-Ion Batteries

Designation

• Position Title: University Assistant without PhD (Doctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate)
• Salary Category: B1 UA (Scientific Staff)

Key Information Table

Research Area

• Field: Materials Science, Physics, Physical Chemistry, Energy Storage, Computational Materials Physics
• Key Topics: Sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries, hard-carbon anode synthesis, ex situ & operando Small-Angle/Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS), Density Functional Theory (DFT) modeling, and electrochemical testing.

Location

• City/Country: Salzburg, Austria
• Institution: Paris Lodron University of Salzburg

Eligibility / Qualifications

• Required Degree: Completed Master’s degree (MSc) in Materials Science, Physics, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Technical Experience: Practical or research experience with at least one of the following:
  • X-ray scattering techniques (SAXS / WAXS)
  • Electrochemical testing and characterization
  • Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations
• Language Proficiency: Excellent written and oral English communication skills.
• Academic Requirement: Willingness and eligibility to enroll in the subject-specific doctoral program at the University of Salzburg.

Scholarship / Project Description

Project Scope

Sodium-ion batteries utilizing hard-carbon anodes represent a key next-generation energy storage technology. However, the exact physical mechanisms governing the characteristic low-voltage plateau remain disputed. This project aims to bridge experimental and theoretical approaches to validate structural design principles for high-performance hard carbon anodes.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Synthesize hard-carbon anode materials.
• Characterize nanostructures using ex situ and operando SAXS/WAXS.
• Conduct electrochemical performance analyses.
• Build atomic-scale model nanostructures and execute DFT calculations for sodium incorporation.
• Formulate phenomenological storage models based on structural parameters.
• Publish scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.

Employee Benefits

• Access to advanced laboratory facilities and High-Performance Computing (HPC) clusters.
• Mobility support, including subsidies for the Austrian Klimaticket (public transit) and bicycle initiatives.
• Continuing education programs, language center courses, and university sports discounts (USI).
• Company pension scheme and comprehensive health/wellbeing offerings.

How to Apply

1. Apply online via the official University of Salzburg Career Portal: PLUS Job Portal Application Link.
2. Prepare and submit standard academic application documents (CV, academic transcripts, master’s thesis/degree certificate, and a motivation letter).
3. Informal Inquiries: Contact Prof. Christian Prehal (christian.prehal@plus.ac.at) or Prof. Ulrich Johannes Aschauer (ulrichjohannes.aschauer@plus.ac.at).

Last Date for Apply

• Application Deadline: September 9, 2026

Link