Join the Cluster of Excellence “BlueMat: Water-Driven Materials” and contribute to one of Europe’s most exciting research initiatives. Collaborate with a dynamic, interdisciplinary team that combines science, sustainability, and technology to create a better future. Help shape the next generation of sustainable materials inspired by nature’s most powerful resource: water.

For the Institute for Interface Physics and Engineering at Hamburg University of Technology for 1 February 2026 we are looking for a

Research Associate (m/f/d) - 
Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in 

to conduct research within project Atomistic modelling of electronic, optical, and mechanical materials’ properties at solid-water interfaces (C2) as part of the BlueMat Cluster of Excellence. The position is full time and fixed-term until 31 January 2029. The remuneration is in accordance with salary group 13 TV-L (collective agreement for the public service of the federal states).

You will explore the oxidation of metal surfaces and phase transformations in oxides, and the related effects on the structural, electronic, optical, and mechanical properties of these materials at solid-water interfaces. Your research will allow for detailed atomistic insights into switchable functionalities which are either driven by water or affect the behavior of water at the interface. Further, your work will contribute to a thorough understanding of these processes which is essential for their rational optimization and design with applications in sensors, actuators, and smart surfaces for cooling and heating applications.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Conduct electronic structure calculations, atomistic simulations, and theoretical modeling of metal and oxide surfaces and solid-liquid interfaces
• Employ computational and data-driven techniques including machine learning methods for performing structure search and for obtaining structure-property relationships
• Investigate surface oxidation and phase transformations, and propose models for the underlying mechanisms and their effect on material properties
• Collaborate closely with BlueMat partners from various domains including imaging, modeling, and experimental work to integrate findings into the broader cluster program
• Share your findings through publications and engage with the research community and public
  

YOUR PROFILE

Essential qualification

• Completed university studies (master's degree or equivalent), in particular in the subject areas of physics, theoretical chemistry and materials science

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Strong background in theoretical condensed matter physics, computational materials science, and/or atomistic or data-driven materials modeling
• Good programming skills and at least one language like Python and C/C++ 
• Very good English required (at least B2/C1 level according to CEFR) – German is not mandatory
• Curiosity and teamwork skills for working in interdisciplinary teams 

Desired knowledge and personal skills

• Beneficial is the experience with performing atomistic simulations (molecular dynamics or ab initio), preferably utilizing LAMMPS/VASP
• Experience with data science approaches and methods including machine learning techniques is advantageous
• IT skills including working with Linux, LATEX, high performance computing clusters, and GPUs are desirable

OUR OFFER

• Scientific qualification with the opportunity to pursue a PhD in a leading research cluster 
• Access to BlueMat Academy: training workshops, German language support, mentoring, and career development
• Participation in international conferences, research stays, and collaborative networks
• Flexible working conditions, 30 vacation days, family-friendly policies 
• Access to on-campus fitness facilities and health promotion programs

For further information please contact contact Dr. Gregor Vonbun-Feldbauer at gregor.feldbauer@tuhh.de or Dr. Mariana Rossi at mariana.rossi@mpsd.mpg.de - we are pleased to support you.