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Faculty of Physics and Astronomy :
Chair of Theoretical Physics - Computational Design of Functional Interfaces / Research Center for Future Energy Materials and Systems
Botti
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) October 01, 2026, we are looking for 1
Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x)
This job offer is part of the Horizon Europe project AIM (AI-Multiscale Integration for Waste-to-Value Digital Twins). AIM is a four-year project, funded by the EU through Horizon Europe. It brings together seven research groups and companies across Europe to develop advanced computational tools for turning waste (such as hard-to-recycle plastics, flue gases, and brine) into valuable fuels, chemicals, and materials using solar-powered devices. The core challenge is simulating the chemistry of these processes at very different levels, from individual atoms up to full working devices. These scales are hard to connect to one another. AIM uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to bridge that gap and build a Digital Twin that links atomic-scale chemistry, mesoscale transport, and device-level performance, allowing researchers to test, predict, and optimize designs in a computer before building them physically. By improving the accuracy and speed of these simulations, automating the workflows, and validating the models against real experimental data, the project aims to accelerate the development of cleaner, more efficient technologies for a circular economy while training the next generation of researchers in these digital skills. The successful applicant will become part of the research group of Prof. Silvana Botti at RC FEMS and the Ruhr University Bochum. The newly founded Research Center focuses on developing innovative materials and systems for sustainable energy applications. The center's research areas include photovoltaics, thermoelectricity, energy storage, fuel cells, and sustainable chemical processes, among others. Its interdisciplinary approach involves collaborations between physicists, chemists, engineers, and material scientists to address the challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The center also offers opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to participate in cutting-edge research projects and receive advanced training in the field of energy materials and systems. The chair of Prof. Botti is affiliated with the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy of the Ruhr University Bochum. This faculty is a leading research and teaching institution in the fields of experimental and theoretical physics and astronomy, with a focus on condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and particle physics.
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Prof. Silvana Botti at the Research Center Future Energy Materials and Systems (RC FEMS) and the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) within the EU-funded Horizon Europe project AIM (AI-Multiscale Integration for Waste-to-Value Digital Twins). The position focuses on the development of advanced computational methods for modeling photo-excited states and ultrafast dynamics at complex catalytic interfaces relevant to waste-to-value technologies.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 Jahren
Start: October 01, 2026
Apply by: 2026-08-11
Your tasks:
The successful candidate (f/m/x) will
- develop and apply methods at the intersection of density functional perturbation theory, real-time time-dependent DFT, and machine learning
- advance understanding of photocatalytic processes for waste remediation and solar reforming of polymeric materials
Your profile:
Required qualifications:
- A PhD in solid-state physics, solid-state chemistry, materials science, or a very closely related field
- Strong background in density functional theory and solid-state theory
- Solid programming skills (e.g., Python, Fortran, C/C++)
- Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research, evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Good command of English, both written and spoken
- We are looking for researchers who develop methods, codes, and models — not users. Experience limited to running standard DFT codes or training simple ML models will not be considered.
Desirable qualifications:
- Experience with machine-learning force fields and familiarity with machine learning techniques applied to materials science (e.g., graph neural networks)
- Knowledge of catalysis or light-induced excitation processes in materials
- Experience with time-dependent DFT (TDDFT), many-body perturbation theory (GW/BSE), or other excited-state methods
- Experience with workflow automation tools
- Experience with high-performance computing environments
We offer:
Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, Extensive training and professional development opportunities
- A full-time postdoctoral position (TV-L E13, 100%)
- An interdisciplinary and international research environment within a collaborative European consortium of 7 partners across 6 countries
- Access to cutting-edge computational infrastructure (local GPU cluster, European HPC resources)
- Opportunities for professional development, including participation in international conferences, workshops, and consortium-wide training events
- A vibrant research campus with a broad spectrum of research activities in materials science, physics, and chemistry
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum is a family-friendly university
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Silvana Botti +49 (0)234 32 17776
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-08-11. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5921.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA