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 for Interface Physics and Engineering at the 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 Understanding fluid transport phenomena in materials from electrochemical experiments and atomistic simulations (B1) 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 and investigate fluid transport in hierarchical materials under electrochemical conditions using atomistic simulations. You will focus on non-Faradaic processes modelled using the ELECTRODE package developed here for LAMMPS, in order to understand the impact of the first adsorbed water molecule at the solid/liquid interface of the hierarchical materials in BlueMat. You will also study how water, double layer formation and confinement effects influence nanofluidic behaviour in materials such as nanoporous silicon, nanoporous silicon dioxide and carbon-based materials like graphene, including functionalised variants with electroactive polymers. This position involves close collaboration with computational modelling and experimental teams and enhances understanding of electrochemical phenomena in complex materials.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Investigate the electrochemical double layer in nanoporous silicon and silica, focusing on water structure at the interface under controlled water-solid interactions via applied external potentials
• Conduct atomistic simulations of selective electrosorption through non-equilibrium flow simulations in functionalized polymer membranes and hierarchically nanoporous carbon electrodes such as Globugraphite
• Study faradaic processes using machine-learned force fields (MLFFs) to understand how electric potential influences chemical reactivity and selective transport at electrode interfaces
• Collaborate closely with BlueMat partners in imaging, 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, Theoretical Chemistry, Materials Science or Computer Science

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Strong expertise in atomistic simulation techniques, including modeling electrochemical interfaces, water-solid interactions, and nanofluidic processes under applied external potentials
• 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

• In-depth knowledge of electrochemical phenomena such as double layer formation, selective electrosorption, and faradaic reactions
• Experience in simulating non-equilibrium flow in complex materials and membranes

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. Robert Meißner at robert.meissner@tuhh.de or Prof. Dr. Patrick Huber at patrick.huber@tuhh.de - we are pleased to support you.