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 Geo-Hydroinformatics 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 Transport Processes in Nanoporous Hybrid Materials (B1/B2) 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).

The main goal of this project is to develop quantitative, multiscale modelling tools capable of predicting how the properties of nanoporous hybrid materials - particularly their switchable wettability, permeability, and pore size distribution - affect multiphase fluid flow and transport processes. The project aims to bridge the gap between pore-scale mechanisms and continuum-scale responses, providing a predictive framework that supports the design of smart nanoporous materials for industrial and environmental applications via:
• Pore-scale modelling: Employ the Lattice Boltzmann (LB) method to simulate two-phase flow in 3D nanoporous geometries derived from high-resolution imaging
• Continuum-scale modelling assisted by AI: Integrate pore-scale insights into macroscale simulations using machine learning algorithms to create efficient, data-driven upscaling frameworks

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Conduct LB simulations of multiphase flow in realistic pore geometries
• Develop and train machine learning models to accelerate permeability and flow predictions
• Integrate pore-scale and continuum-scale simulations into a unified multiscale workflow
• Contribute to publications and dissemination of findings within the BlueMat network

YOUR PROFILE

Essential qualification

• Completed university studies (master's degree or equivalent), in particular in the subject environmental engineering, civil engineering, fluid mechanics, soil physics, or a related field

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Strong background in porous media, ideally demonstrated through high-quality peer-reviewed publications, outstanding academic performance, and recognitions
• Commitment to international collaboration, teamwork, and student supervision
• 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

• Expertise in porous media flow, computational fluid dynamics, numerical modelling (LB or similar methods), and machine learning
• Strong skills in scientific programming and data analysis

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 Eva Bayley at eva.bayley@tuhh.de - we are pleased to support you.