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 Physics of Functional Materials for 1 February 2026 we are looking for a

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

to conduct research within project CA Modelling: Multi-scale simulations of water wetting and electromagnetic properties in nanoporous media at applied electric potentials 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 how water properties can be tuned in conducting nanoporous materials upon application of electric potentials using different simulation approaches. In detail, we bridge the scale between density functional theory level and force field atomistic simulations by injecting the molecular interactions derived from quantum chemical calculations into the parametrization of the electrode. The in-pore behavior will be analyzed in detail. Finally, the microscopic information shall be incorporated into a Lattice-Boltzmann model to study electrically driven imbibition.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Develop innovative simulation approaches to study electrowetting in atomistic simulations
• Perform and extend existing analysis methods building upon MAICoS
• Develop and implement efficient grand-canonical simulation approaches into the LAMMPS package 
• Implement and verify a two-phase Lattice-Boltzmann solver with locally adaptive relaxation to up-scale the obtained information
• Collaborate closely with BlueMat partners in imaging, modeling, and all project areas 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 scientific university studies (master's degree or equivalent), in particular in the subject of physics, especially with a strong background in soft matter, statistical mechanics and solid-state theory

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Comprehensive knowledge in numerical methods, preferably including electronic structure calculations and fluid dynamics
• Programming skills in C++ and Python
  
• 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 simulations using packages like LAMMPS, GROMACS, CP2K, WaLBerla or ESPResSo
• Willingness to strongly collaborate with experimental groups and understand/model the required fine details relevant for further insights

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. Alexander Schlaich at alexander.schlaich@tuhh.de - we are pleased to support you.