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 Structural Dynamics 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 

Dynamic acoustic simulation of material and fluids on device scale (A4.1)

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 the modeling and simulation of acoustic wave propagation in devices basedon switchable media. The switchability is to achieve device functions. Primary functions to be implemented and studied will be adaptable wave focussing, in the sense of a switchable lens, and adaptable wave redirecting or beam-forming. The modeling and simulation methods will be carried out on the continuum level, linking smaller scale materials physics and chemistry to the design tasks on the device scale. The work aims at effective homogenization approaches with a view to sub-scale physics and chemistry, while at the same timing keeping high numerical efficiency to allow applicability in device design and optimization. 

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Establishment of numerically efficient modeling and simulation methods for the acoustic wave propagation in the bulk of devices based on switchable materials. Small and fast processes will need to be treated by homogenization, the devices themselves will consist of structured patterns, which will bear resemblence with wave propagation in metamaterials or macroscopic crystals.
• Derivation of modeling approaches for excitation and dissipation of the acoustic waves in switchable patterned devices. The excitation and dissipation of acoustic waves in inhomogeneous materials poses fundamental challenges like edge waves, linear and nonlinear localization, wave blocking, to name just a view.
• Control or exploitation of nonlinear wave propagation phenomena. On a device scale nonlinear system properties will be inevitable. Work is to be done to investigate the nonlinear properties of the devices under study to either control or to exploit the arising nonlinear phenomena.
• Collaborate closely with BlueMat partners in sub-scale material, structural and fluids modeling, and partners in device design, to integrate findings into the broader cluster program.
• Share your findings through publications and engage with the research community andpublic.

YOUR PROFILE

Essential qualification

• Completed university degree (master's degree or equivalent), in the subject area of physics, mechanical engineering, materials sciences, vibrations and dynamics,applied mathematics, modeling and simulation sciences

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Strong background in modeling and simulation of acoustic waves in solids, structures, and fluids
  
• Experience in physics based, data driven, and physics informed methods for modeling and simulation of wave propagation
• 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 experience with discretization based numerical simulation of waves in solids
  
• Expertise in development and application of novel modeling methods and tools is desired

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. Norbert Hoffmann at norbert.hoffmann@tuhh.de - we are pleased to support you.