Introduction

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 group Structure Formation (SFG) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within the BMFTR-funded research project “RevEl - Reversible Electrodes for Resource-Efficient and Circular Energy Storage".


POSTDOCTORAL POSITION ON REVERSIBLE BINDERS FOR SUSTAINABLE BATTERY ELECTRODES (F/M/D)

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 Group (SFG) is on developing and characterizing the hybrid binder systems. The research integrates polymer science, composite engineering, interfacial mechanics, and chemical polymer design to establish 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.

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
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 project


Beneficial 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

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 plent...