Research assistant for electrochemical recovery of critical raw materials

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) is one of Europe's most important, independent research institutes in the fields of ‘Shaping and Functional Materials’ as well as ‘Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces’. Research and development work is focussed on providing customers with reliable and application-oriented solutions. Products and technologies primarily address sectors that are particularly important for future viability: aviation, automotive, energy technology, maritime technologies, medical technology and life sciences. To realise this task, around 700 highly qualified employees work together on specific projects and topics.

A new working group, Electrochemical Processes for Recycling and Water Treatment (RecWass), is currently being set up in the »Electrical Energy Storage« department. To strengthen this new team in Bremen, we are looking for a research assistant to start as soons as possible, but no later than August 2025.

What you will do

The work takes place within the framework of MeGaBat project in which the recovery of critical raw materials from battery recycling industry is the overall objective.

The aim of this position is to investigate novel recycling processes for spent batteries based on electrochemical methods. The scope of duties includes:

Development, design and production of a demonstrator on a pilot plant scale and testing under real conditions (incl. electrodes fabrication, electrochemical reactors design and upscaling)
Production of battery-grade materials and evaluation of the sustainability and cost efficiency of the process chain
Evaluation, utilisation and exploitation of the results of the project
Evaluation of competitiveness compared to other extraction and recycling processes
Evaluation of the market potential and application of the developed electrochemical systems in other areas
Supervision of students (Bachelor, Master) and co-supervision of PhD students
Collaboration and acquisition of application-oriented development projects in the field of battery technology
Innovative environment with modern technical equipment
Work in a highly topical, industry-related field of research
Acquiring interdisciplinary skills as a basis for working with innovative battery technology

What you bring to the table

Master’s degree in electrochemistry or a comparable degree program
Strong background knowledge in applied electrochemistry
Extensive practical experience with laboratory work
Extensive practical experience in synthesis and physicochemical characterization of intercalation materials
Practical experience with characterization techniques: Raman, XRD, microscopy (SEM, STEM); Synchrotron experience is an advantage
Practical experience in upscaling technical equipment
Previous knowledge in the field of battery recycling
Personal motivation, strong communication skills, reliability, ability to work in a team and an independent way of working
Very good knowledge of English

What you can expect

A varied working day is guaranteed!
Room for independent work and creative participation
Extensive qualification measures to expand professional knowledge, qualifications and personal soft skills
Transparent remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD)
Company pension scheme
The weekly working time is 39 hours. The position is initially limited to two years and can also be filled part-time.
We offer flexible working time models and the opportunity to work remotely.
Support offers for the compatibility of family and career
Corporate benefits: Offers from well-known manufacturers and brands

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Jessica Schröder

bewerbung@ifam.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM

www.ifam.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 79204 Application Deadline: 05/04/2025

Job Segment: Research Assistant, Wastewater, Water Treatment, Part Time, Research, Engineering