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 Technical Biocatalysis 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 Enzyme-driven hybrid materials: reversible actuation in aqueous environments (A3.2) as part of the BlueMat Cluster of Excellence. The position is part time (29.25 hours a week) 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 enzyme-driven hybrid materials enabling reversible actuation in aqueous environments. By integrating biocatalysts into hydrogel and nanocellulose matrices, you will achieve tunable stiffness, adhesion, and shape. Real-time spectroscopic monitoring (FTIR, UV/Vis, NMR) will provide mechanistic insight, advancing BlueMat’s vision of water-responsive, programmable materials for adaptive soft robotics, sensors, and smart interfaces.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Design and embed enzyme systems into hydrogel and nanocellulose matrices to achieve reversible pH and redox switching
• Implement and optimize inline spectroscopy for real-time monitoring of enzymatic reactions and material responses
• Develop kinetic models describing enzyme-catalyzed actuation processes under confined and aqueous conditions
• Collaborate closely with BlueMat partners in modeling, device integration and imaging 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 biocatalysis, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Strong background in enzyme catalysis, biocatalytic reaction engineering, and/or process analytical technologies (FTIR, UV/Vis, NMR)
• 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 in hybrid material systems, hydrogel or nanocellulose processing, and interdisciplinary collaboration at the interface of chemistry, biology, and materials science
• Familiarity with kinetic modeling, chemometrics, or process control of biocatalytic systems

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. Andreas Liese at Liese@tuhh.de, alternatively, Dr. Ana Malvis Romero at ana.malvis.romero@tuhh.de - we are pleased to support you.