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 Applied Polymer Physics for 1 February 2026 we are looking for a

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

to conduct research within project Organic mixed ionic–electronic conductor (OMIEC) coatings for carbon-based electrodes (B2) as part of the BlueMat Cluster of Excellence. The position is part time
(25,35 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 develop and synthesize organic mixed ionic–electronic conductor (OMIEC) polymers as functional coatings for carbon-based electrodes. These coatings aim to enhance ionic selectivity, interfacial stability, and charge transport in water-related electrochemical systems. Your work will bridge molecular design, polymer synthesis, and electrochemical performance and link into several BlueMat subprojects.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Synthesize and process organic mixed ionic–electronic conductor (OMIEC) polymers such as PEDOT:PSS and self-doped PEDOT
• Develop coating methods for applying OMIECs onto carbon-foam electrodes and evaluate electrochemical and transport properties by e.g. cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy
• Characterize chemical structure and morphology using NMR, GPC, IR, SEM, AFM, and contact-angle measurements
• Correlate coating composition, surface properties, and electrochemical performance to guide iterative polymer design
• Collaborate closely with BlueMat scientists to integrate polymer development with electrode testing and mechanistic studies
• Publish and present your findings; contribute to outreach and knowledge transfer within the BlueMat network and broader research community

YOUR PROFILE

Essential qualification

• Completed scientific university studies (master's degree or equivalent), in particular in the subject of chemistry

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Hands-on experience in chemical laboratory work, including organic synthesis and materials characterization
• 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

• Experience with electrochemical methods is desirable
• Knowledge of polymerization and polymer characterization is beneficial

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. Franziska Lissel at franziska.lissel@tuhh.de or Prof. Dr. Mathias Ernst at mathias.ernst@tuhh.de - we are pleased to support you.