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 of High-Frequency Technology for 1 February 2026 we are looking for a
Research Associate (m/f/d) -
Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in
to conduct research within project Tunable Microwave Permittivity by Control of Water Distribution and Anisotropic Behavior of Confined Water (C1.1) 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 anisotropic permittivity behavior of confined water and the development of tunable high-frequency components and functional building blocks utilizing water infiltration in porous and cavity structures. You will study the interaction of electromagnetic fields with confined water, develop dedicated electromagnetic metrology to analyze anisotropic dielectric properties of water, and explore how controlled water distribution can be used to tune the effective permittivity of microwave and millimeter-wave components.
YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
- Perform electromagnetic 3D field simulations and theoretical modeling of water–porous structures
- Design and realize metrology setups for measuring anisotropic permittivity of confined water in microwave and millimeter-wave regimes
- Investigate mechanisms of anisotropy and permittivity changes under different environmental and geometrical confinements
- Develop and fabricate functional high-frequency components with tunable properties using water infiltration in porous or cavity structures
- Validate and characterize the fabricated structures in laboratory setups and in close collaboration with BlueMat partners
- Publish research results in international journals and present findings at conferences
YOUR PROFILE
- Completed scientific university studies (master's degree or equivalent), in particular in the subject areas of electrical engineering specialized on High-Frequency Technology
Essential qualification
Required knowledge and personal skills
- Curiosity and teamwork skills for working in interdisciplinary teams
- Very good English required (at least B2/C1 level according to CEFR) – German is not mandatory
- Strong background and practical experience in the field of electromagnetic wave interaction with materials and design of high-frequency components, sensors, and building blocks
- Extensive knowledge of electronics design and manufacturing as well as metrological characterization of millimeter wave systems
Desired knowledge and personal skills
- Practical experience in setting up, error determination, and calibration of high-frequency measurement test systems and measurement technology is favorable
- Extensive knowledge of digital signal analysis techniques and extensive programming experience in Python and C++ is beneficial
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 Prof. Dr. Alexander Koelpin at alexander.koelpin@tuhh.de - we are pleased to support you.
Inclusive excellence drives better science. We actively seek female & international researchers from all walks of life, valuing non-linear careers and diverse perspectives across cultures, disciplines, and identities. We explicitly welcome applications from persons with severe disabilities and those with equivalent status as defined in Section 2 of the German Social Code, Book IX (SGB IX).
The Hamburg University of Technology stands for equal opportunities as well as appreciative and respectful cooperation.
The Hamburg University of Technology stands for equal opportunities as well as appreciative and respectful cooperation.
Please submit your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, degree certificates) via the online application system, quoting the vacancy ID 28725WBME3, by 12 November 2025.
