Research Associate

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 aResearch Associate (m/f/d) -

Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin

to conduct research within projectOrganic 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 contactProf. Dr. Franziska Lissel at

or Prof. Dr. Mathias Ernst at

• we are pleased to support you.

Inclusive excellence drives better science. We actively seek female & international researchers from all walks of life, valuing non-linear careers and diverse perspectives across cultures, disciplines, and identities. We explicitly welcome applications from persons with severe disabilities and those with equivalent status

as defined in Section 2 of the German Social Code, Book IX (SGB IX).

The Hamburg University of Technology stands for equal opportunities

as well as appreciative and respectful cooperation.

Please submit your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, degree certificates) via the online application system, quoting the vacancy ID 29525WBMMEXK6, by 12 November 2025.