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 Industrialization of Smart Materials 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 Artificial trees with tunable water transpiration-driven hydraulic flow
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).

Transpiration is known as a process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts such as leaves and stems. In project Artificial trees with tunable water transpiration-driven hydraulic flow you will design, manufacture and analyze artificial trees with the aim to initiate and control the transpiration-driven hydraulic flow by macroscopic (channels) and microscopic (porous) features. The artificial trees will be realized using a novel manufacturing route combining Additive Manufacturing and electrochemical post-processing.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Design and realization of artificial trees by Additive Manufacturing
• Metallography of the build structures using state-of-the art analyzing techniques
• De-alloying of the artificial trees to create porous Si-structures and porous SiO structures
• Investigate the hydraulic flow properties and imbibition behaviour
• 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 materials science, production technologies or similar

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Strong background in materials science of metals, semiconductors and/or oxides
• Experience in Additive Manufacturing technologies, preferably for metals
  
• 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 with analyzing techniques such as SEM and EDX, and familiarity with electrochemical processes and hydraulic flow

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 contact Prof. Dr. Ingomar Kelbassa at ingomar.kelbassa@tuhh.de or Nora Luttmann at nora.luttmann@iapt.fraunhofer.de - we are pleased to support you.