Research Associate; m​/f​/d research focus Machine Learning in Battery Research

Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories - your own and those of our university.

Support us from 01.04.2026 in part-time basis (67 %) as a

The position is funded within the framework of the German Research Foundation (DFG)-supported Cluster of Excellence “Post Lithium Storage” (POLiS) and is limited in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG und § 72 HessHG. The position offers the opportunity for independent academic qualification within the junior research group of Dr. Janis Kevin Eckhardt at the Center for Materials Research. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).

As long as the maximum permissible duration of a fixed-term contract is not exceeded, you will be employed until 30.06.2029.

Within the framework of the project, you will analyze experimental datasets from post‑lithium battery research with the aim of identifying physically interpretable features to describe cell‑to‑cell variability in capacity and early cell failure. Experimental data generation is carried out by partner groups; your focus will be on data‑driven analysis and methodology. In detail, your responsibilities include:

• Preparation, structuring, and quality control of electrochemical datasets (cycling data, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, surface analytics) from existing and ongoing experiments
• Development and implementation of physics‑guided feature engineering strategies to describe cell‑to‑cell variability
• Application of explainable AI methods to analyze failure and degradation mechanisms
• Derivation of robust target quantities and appropriate evaluation metrics
• Conducting national and international research stays and participation in project meetings as well as national and international scientific conferences
• Publication of research results in peer‑reviewed scientific journals

The provision of academic services (including the processing of a research project financed by third party funds on a temporary basis) also serves the purpose of academic qualification.

• A completed Master´s or equivalent university degree (at least “good”) in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Data Science
• Experience in machine learning and statistical analysis for data mining and data evaluation
• Advanced programming skills in Python, C++, R, Matlab, or similar
• Knowledge of electrochemistry is an advantage
• Very good English skills as well as strong communication and teamwork abilities
• Intensive scientific exchange with researchers from the POLiS project consortium (JLU, Ulm University, and KIT) is required
• Ability to work independently and in a self‑organized manner
• An open mindset and interest in interdisciplinary work

• Participation in a nationwide Cluster of Excellence offering attractive opportunities for academic development
• A comprehensive training program accompanying doctoral studies within a materials science‑oriented graduate school
• A varied role in a dynamic team with flexible working hours
• Free use of local public transport (Landes Ticket Hessen)
• More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e‑learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
• Remuneration according to TV‑H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
• Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "audit familiengerechte Hochschule")

JLU welcomes qualified applications regardless of biological and social gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, age as well as sexual orientation and identity. The JLU aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with the women's promotion plan. We therefore particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. JLU is certified as a family‑friendly university. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.

You want to break new ground with us?

Apply via our online form by February 17 th , 2026
, indicating reference number 129/Z. We look forward to receiving your application.