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 Thermal Separation Process 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 Hybrid hydrogel-metal systems: actuation by controlling the hydrogel properties (A3) 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 water-driven mechanical actuation in hybrid soft–hard materials by coupling responsive hydrogels with porous metallic matrices. Your research will establish reversible switching of water-filled biopolymer hydrogels (e.g. cellulose-based) in response to aqueous triggers such as pH, ionic strength, and CO₂. By integrating these soft, stimuli-responsive gels into multiscale porous metals, the project aims to achieve locally controllable actuation from the molecular to the macroscopic level – advancing BlueMat’s vision of water-mediated, adaptive materials.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Tailor the fluidity, mechanical strength, and responsiveness of cellulose-based and enzymatically active hydrogels through polymer design and environmental control
• Infiltrate and integrate soft hydrogels into nanoporous metallic matrices and analyze gel–metal interactions using experimental and modeling approaches
• Develop quantitative models to correlate material structure, ionic environment, and actuation performance
• Assess scalability and reproducibility of hybrid gel–metal systems toward technical-scale fabrication of water-driven actuators
• Contribute to the BlueMat Cluster’s exploitation activities, including scale-up of material synthesis and outreach efforts to promote the cluster’s scientific and technological impact

YOUR PROFILE

Essential qualification

• Completed university studies (master's degree or equivalent) in the subject of chemical / process engineering or material science

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 not mandatory
• Strong background in materials processing or process development
  

Desired knowledge and personal skills

• Experience with porous materials, gels, or hydrogels, and/or familiarity with modeling of such systems is beneficial
• Enthusiasm for communicating scientific results to the general public

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. Irina Smirnova and Carolin Moser at secretary.tvt@tuhh.de - we are pleased to support you.