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 and X-Ray Physics 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 Hydrovoltaics (D3) 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 address fundamental science questions and materials design challenges in next-generation hydrovoltaic materials to harvest clean electrical energy from humidity variations, imbibition, and drying cycles. You will explore water and aqueous electrolyte interactions with multiscale porous materials that convert moisture and low-grade heat into power. Our interdisciplinary team explores non-equilibrium fluid dynamics, surface chemistry, and pore-scale interactions to enhance energy conversion, reduce cycle times, and improve scalability. By addressing challenges such as salt crystallization, evaporation control, and durability, we aim to unlock sustainable hydrovoltaic technologies for real-world applications.

Join us in advancing hydrovoltaics — turning ambient water and humidity into a renewable energy source.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Synthesize multiscale porous electrode materials by electrochemical etching
• Characterize electrode materials in terms of electrical energy harvesting upon imbibition/wetting and drying processes (e.g. by SEM, TEM, SAXS/USAXS) and perform various in-situ electrochemical and fluid-dynamical experiments, also at high-brilliant X-ray sources (synchrotrons and X-ray free electron lasers)
• Collaborate closely with BlueMat partners in in energy storage, modeling, and fluid transport 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 of Physics, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science

Required knowledge and personal skills

• 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 porous materials, and familiarity with sorption, desorption of water constituents, electrochemistry 
• Expertise in the field of environmental technology

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 Prof. Dr. Patrick Huber patrick.huber@tuhh.de or Dr. Vasily Artemov vasily.artemov@tuhh.de - we are pleased to support you.