Research Assistant / PhD Candidate (f/m/d) - V000011494

About the position

Research Assistant / PhD Candidate (f/m/d) - V000011494

Research Field: Technology

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Job Status: Part-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No

The Institute of Physical Chemistry at RWTH Aachen University consists of several research groups covering a broad range of topics.

The focus is on investigating the physicochemical properties of various materials: from inorganic solids and molecular materials to macromolecules and nanoparticles in solution.

The research group of Prof.

De Souza uses experimental and computational methods to investigate the properties (in particular ion transport) of materials used in energy and information technology, such as solid oxide fuel cells, ReRAM technologies, solar cells, etc.

The working environment is collegial and supportive: for example, weekly team meetings provide an opportunity to discuss current research results and jointly develop solutions to scientific challenges.

Your duties and responsibilities

Doctoral position on the topic: “Diffusion of host and dopant cations in doped ceria”

Experimental investigation of cation diffusion in doped CeO₂ and determination of diffusion coefficients from diffusion profiles using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)

Investigating cation ordering, its temporal evolution and its influence on grain boundary conductivity

Systematic investigation of the influence of temperature, oxygen partial pressure and dopant concentration on cation diffusion

Ability to work independently in a scientific context and to address complex research questions autonomously

Interest in application-oriented basic research for energy and information technologies

Years of Research Experience: None

The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 3 years.

This is a part-time position (50 % of the standard weekly hours for full-time employees).

The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position.

The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

Employees under collective bargaining agreements and civil servants also benefit from a comprehensive continuing education program and the option to purchase a job ticket for convenient commuting.

RWTH is an equal opportunities employer.

When women are underrepresented in a university unit, preferential consideration will be given to female applicants among candidates of equal merit and professional standing, unless compelling reasons favor another individual.

In keeping with RWTH’s commitment to equality of opportunity, we ask that you do not include a photo with your application.

What you’ll bring

• Skills/Qualifications
• Completed university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related field
• Experience with experimental methods for materials characterization, as well as experience with computer simulations and the use of high-performance computing (HPC), is an advantage

At a glance

Position type

PhD, Research assistant

Institution

RWTH Aachen University

Department

Institute of Physical Chemistry

Research group

Not stated

Location

Aachen, Germany, DE

Supervisor / contact person

Dr. Roger A. De Souza

Funding

Salaried
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).

Duration

3 years

Expected start

Not stated

Vacancy reference

EURAXESS-465767

Research focus

Discipline

Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics

Research area

Photovoltaics

Methods

DFT, Molecular dynamics (MD)

Software

Python

Dates to know

Listed on FOSS Positions

28 Sep 2026

Original advertisement date

Not stated in the source

Application deadline

28 Sep 2026 · 21:59 UTC

Priority review date

Not stated

Last checked

28 Sep 2026

Last updated

28 Sep 2026

2026-09-28T21:59:59+00:00

How to apply

Application Deadline: 28 Sep 2026 - 21:59 (UTC)
Where to apply
Interest in application-oriented basic research for energy and information technologies
In keeping with RWTH’s commitment to equality of opportunity, we ask that you do not include a photo with your application.
Apply now

https://jobs.rwth-aachen.de/?ac=jobad&id=12159&view=external

Contact: secretary-physchem1@pc.rwth-aachen.deContact: secretary-physchem1@pc.rwth-aachen.deContact: 02418094712

Original sources

https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/465767 ↗

https://jobs.rwth-aachen.de/?ac=jobad&id=12159&view=external ↗