PhD Student: Proton transport in clay based batteries

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people. 

Proton-exchanged clays are promising natural materials for sustainable batteries, supercapacitors and eco-friendly energy technologies. Fundamental to many geochemical and biochemical processes, proton transport in confined water and at material interfaces remains poorly understood. In particular, the role of solid-fluid interfaces in enhancing proton transport remains poorly understood. The project embarks on multidisciplinary collaboration between the Laboratory for Waste Management LES, the Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging LNS, and the Water Electrodynamics Group at TU-Hamburg. The PhD student will conduct experiments on tracer diffusion and electromigration in clays conducted at radiochemical laboratories of PSI, molecular scale investigations of water and proton transport by quasi-elastic neutron scattering QENS at SINQ / PSI, and dielectric characterization of thin clay films at TU-Hamburg. In this project, we will investigate the fundamental molecular mechanisms controlling proton diffusion in bulk and confined water, namely vehicular diffusion, Grotthuss hopping and surface-mediated proton transfer. 

For the Diffusion Processes Group we are looking for a

PhD Student: Proton transport in clay based batteries

Your tasks

• You will prepare and characterize clay samples and oriented clay films using different methods (e.g. XRD, Mössbauer spectroscopy, electron microscopy, electrochemical methods) 
• You will study proton mobility with quasi-elastic neutron scattering QENS in clays at SINQ / PSI and develop your own data analysis tools 
• You will develop an experimental setup for radiotracer diffusion in thin clay films and conduct tracer diffusion and electromigration studies 
• You will communicate your results at conferences and in publications in peer-reviewed journals and write a PhD thesis to complete your studies

Your profile

• You have obtained a Master's degree in physical chemistry, environmental chemistry or a closely related field 
• You are highly motivated to conduct laboratory work and have prior experience working in a chemical laboratory environment 
• You are eager to use advanced data analysis tools (e.g. Python programming) 
• Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques or molecular simulations is advantageous 
• You have excellent communication and time management skills. 
• In this international project team, excellent knowledge of English is essential, and the ability to communicate in German is an advantage

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure. 

This is a fixed-term position with a 4-year term, subject to satisfactory progress within the framework of the doctoral programme at the University of Bern, in which the appointee will be enrolled.

For further information, please contact Dr Yaana Bruneel, phone Telefonnummer auf apply.refline.ch ansehen or Dr Fanni Juranyi, phone Telefonnummer auf apply.refline.ch ansehen. 

Please submit your application, including a motivation letter and addresses of referees, online by 31 August 2026 for the position as a PhD Student (Index-Nr. 4404-29009).

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland