Chemist

The foundation Max Planck Institute for Kohlenforschung in Mülheim an der Ruhr is a renowned research institution that is over 100 years old and has already received two Nobel Prizes in its history. The institute is engaged in basic research in the field of catalysis with the aim of maximizing the efficient use of natural resources.

Minerva Carbon is an EXIST-funded spin-off project hosted at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung in Mülheim an der Ruhr. Together with Max Planck scientists, we translate cutting-edge catalysis and carbon materials research into scalable, sustainable materials for energy storage and conversion. We are currently building Minerva Carbon as a research-driven startup on the path toward a leading technology company.

Student Assistant (m/f/d) - Battery Electrode Manufacturing

20 hours per week / minimum 6 months 

Thesis focus

We are looking for a motivated master’s student to join our team and contribute hands-on to battery electrode manufacturing and cell assembly working right at the frontier of materials science and next-generation energy storage.

Your role

• Characterize battery active materials using a range of analytical techniques
• Prepare electrodes with defined properties via slurry mixing, slot-die coating, and calendering
• Characterize electrodes and evaluate coating quality, thickness, and porosity
• Assemble lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cells in a controlled glovebox environment
• Document procedures, data, and results precisely (lab notes, data organization, technical summaries) in close collaboration with the scientific supervision team
• Support selected lab and development activities, including measurement workflows, reproducibility studies and process documentation

Your profile

• Enrolled in a Master’s program in Chemistry or Materials Science or a related field
• Hands-on experience in a lab environment; confident with safe handling of chemicals
• Basic understanding of electrochemistry and battery principles (electrode production, cell components, cycling, rate tests)
• Structured, reliable, and self-motivated working style; strong curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Very good German or English skills

We offer

• Real responsibility from day one, with meaningful work that directly shapes how a young materials startup rethinks the future of batteries
• Direct mentorship and day-to-day collaboration with Max Planck scientists and the Minerva Carbon founding team
• Practical training across the full electrode value chain: material synthesis, advanced characterization, electrode production and battery cell assembly and testing
• Flexible working hours compatible with your lecture and lab schedules
• Startup culture: flat hierarchies, fast decisions and an environment built for high learning velocity

Practical details

• Type: Student Assistant
• Duration: minimum 6 months
• Start: flexible
• Location: Mülheim an der Ruhr (on-site)

Take the opportunity to be part of an innovative startup from the very beginning! Send your application containing your CV, transcript of records and a short motivation note via e-mail to:

Dr. Abdu Bilican

Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung

Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr bilican@kofo.mpg.de  

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Severely disabled applicants will be given priority if equally qualified. We ask for your understanding that submitted application documents will not be returned.

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