Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) for Social and Economic and Sustainability Analyses of Energy Storage Technologies
ITAS is the leading institute for technology assessment in Germany and worldwide, with decades of expertise in technology impact research and system analysis. This includes identifying potential consequences of emerging technologies at an early stage in order to leverage opportunities and minimize risks.
Organizational unit
Institut für Technikfolgenabschätzung und Systemanalyse (ITAS)
Job description
The research group “Research for Sustainable Energy Technologies” (RESET) investigates various energy generation and energy storage technologies. A particular focus lies on electrochemical storage systems (especially post-lithium batteries). You will work in the field of analyzing and assessing the environmental impacts of new energy storage technologies, with a special emphasis on emerging battery technologies. In close collaboration with technology developers and other societal stakeholders, design options—from the material level to the system level—are analyzed and advantageous options identified. Your main tasks include:
- Conducting life cycle sustainability assessments (including prospective assessments), with a focus on Social LCA (beside LCA, LCC, MCDA), for new and emerging energy technologies, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Developing tools, models, and databases to support sustainability and life cycle assessment activities
- Collaborating in national and EU projects to integrate sustainability aspects into product design, development and decision-making processes.
- Communicating results and recommendations to societal stakeholders and partners within projects and transdisciplinary activities
- Preparing reports, publications, presentations, and organizing workshops
Starting date
01.02.2026
Personal qualification
We expect:
- A completed university degree (Master’s) in engineering, natural sciences, or environmental sciences, as well as a completed doctorate
- Very good knowledge and experience in sustainability, life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC), and social sustainability assessment (S-LCA)
- Familiarity with energy technologies, energy scenarios, chemical processes, and raw material extraction
- Ability to work independently and in teams, strong organizational skills, and good communication abilities
- Excellent German and English language skills (spoken and written)
- Interest in working in an interdisciplinary and international team
Salary
Salary category 13, depending on the fulfillment of professional and personal requirements.
This is what we offer
Become a member of staff of the only German University of Excellence that conducts large-scale research on the national level. Work under excellent working conditions in an interna-tional environment and be active in research and academic education for our future. Benefit from specific training when starting your job and from a wide range of further qualification offers. Use our flexible working time models (flexitime, work from home), our sports and leisure offers, as well as our child and holiday care services. We also pay a share of EUR 25/month in the Job Ticket Baden-Württemberg. Enjoy a large variety of dishes, snacks, and beverages at our canteens.
Contract duration
limited to 3 years
Application up to
16.10.2026
Contact person in line-management
For further information, please contact Dr.-Ing. Marcel Weil, marcel.weil@kit.edu
Please apply online using the button below for this vacancy number 536/2025.
Vacancy number: 536/2025
We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job. Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.Contact
Personnel Support is provided by:
Personalservice (PSE) - Human Resources
Ms Wenz
Phone: +49 721 608-25093,
Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS)