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 Materials Physics and Technology 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 Micromechanical simulation of switching mechanisms and dynamics in nanoporous metal hybrids (A4) 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 switching mechanisms originating from the coupling of chemomechanical processes in nanoporous metal hybrids using micromechanical simulations. Focus will lie on the integration of switching mechanisms and their kinetics on the micro-scale in close cooperation with the experimental work, carried out in projects A1 to A3, into macroscopic simulation models. By including microstructure and dynamics of the water infiltrated nanoporous hybrid materials in your simulation models, your research will serve bridging the fundamental work and the device simulation for the study of promising device concepts.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Establish Finite Element models representing the microstructure of nanoporous hybrid materials
• Implement and validate models for fundamental switching mechanisms, such as hydrogen take-up, switching of surface energy, ion take-up, and water take-up and explore the material response to physical and chemical stimuli via numerical simulations
• Predict the homogenized material behavior in static and dynamic conditions as building block for microsystems under macroscopic chemical, thermal, and mechanical loads
• Collaborate closely with BlueMat partners in characterization, modeling, and development of device concepts in 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 materials science, mechanical engineering, or physics

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Strong background in mechanics, constitutive modeling, and Finite Element methods
• Solid understanding of nonlinear material behavior (plasticity or phase transformations), or dynamic behavior of materials with inhomogeneous microstructure 
• Hands-on skills in object-oriented programming language Python or 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 nanostructured or porous materials, and their micromechanical simulation
• Expertise in combining theory and experimental work in a team with your focus on model validation and simulation is a plus

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. Norbert Huber at n.huber@tuhh.de or Prof. Dr. Shan Shi at shan.shi@tuhh.de - we are pleased to support you.