Research Associate (m/f/d) - 
Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in 

Institute of Materials Physics and Technology (Group of Materials Mechanics)
Remuneration EG 13 TV-L 
ID: 4126WM22
Start of employment: as soon as possible
Application deadline 23.02.2026
Scope full time and fixed-term until 28.02.2029

In this role, you will conduct research in the project "Micromechanical simulation of viscoplastic deformation in nanoporous metals", contributing to cutting-edge studies at the intersection of materials science, mechanics, and computational modeling. Your research will focus on how the microstructure and porosity of these materials govern their mechanical response under various loading conditions. You will develop and implement finite element models that capture the time-dependent microscale deformation processes, including dislocation-mediated plasticity, and integrate these mechanisms into macroscopic simulation frameworks. By connecting microscale material behavior with overall material response, your work will bridge the gap between fundamental materials physics and predictive modeling for engineering applications.

YOUR TASKS

• Develop and implement finite element models to simulate time-dependent viscoplastic deformation in nanoporous metals at the microscale
  
• Investigate dislocation-mediated plasticity, strain localization, and other microscale mechanisms and integrate them into macroscopic material models
  
• Analyze the influence of microstructure, porosity, and material heterogeneities on mechanical response under diverse loading conditions
  
• Collaborate closely with experimental teams to validate simulation models and ensure alignment with observed material behavior
  
• Communicate research findings through scientific publications, presentations, and engagement with the materials science community
  

YOUR PROFILE

Requirements

• Completed scientific university studies, in particular in the subject Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics

Desired knowledge and personal skills

• Strong background in computational materials mechanics, and finite element methods
  
• Solid understanding of nonlinear material behavior (plasticity) 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
  

OUR OFFER

• Scientific qualification with the opportunity to pursue a PhD
• Participation in international conferences, research stays, and collaborative networks
  
• Flexible and family-friendly working conditions
• 30 day vacation per year (5-days a week)
• Internal offers for health promotion and special conditions in further gyms
  

At the heart of TU Hamburg’s research, teaching and transfer of technology is the guiding principle of developing technology for people. The TU Hamburg sees itself in this context as a family-friendly and sustainable university with high performance and quality standards that strives for excellence in all its research fields. Interdisciplinarity, innovation, regionality and internationality are binding principles in our actions.

With currently around 8.000 students, 110 professors and 1.650 employees, the TU Hamburg is characterised by short decision-making processes and close cooperation between the board, the institutes, the deans of studies, the research areas and the administration. We identify ourselves with a modern leadership culture and cultivate appreciative interaction.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Norbert Huber at n.huber@tuhh.de or 
Dr. Tim Fischer at tim.fischer@tuhh.de - we are pleased to support you.