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

Optical and Electronic Materials

at Hamburg University of Technology for 1 February 2026 we are looking for aResearch Associate (m/f/d) -

Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin

to conduct research within project Water-driven light scattering in porous materials (C4) 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 water-driven control of structural color and optical scattering in porous media with periodic and disordered structures. By harnessing water infiltration and nanobubble formation, your research will contribute to achieve tunable colors, switchable transparency, and dynamic scattering—opening pathways to novel functional materials with applications in adaptive displays, sensors, and smart windows.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Conduct optical simulations and theoretical modeling of periodic and disordered porous structures
• Characterize reflection, transmission, and scattering spectra under controlled water infiltration and nanobubble formation
• Investigate scattering mechanisms and propose models for water–void distribution, validated by advanced imaging methods
• Develop and test a transparent display demonstrator using IR laser-induced switching
• 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 electric engineering, physics or materials science, with focus on optics and photonics

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Strong background in optical simulations and characterization, and/or light–matter interactions
• Very good English required (at least B2/C1 level according to CEFR) – German is not mandatory
• Beneficial is experience with nanostructured or porous materials, sorption, optical scattering and spectroscopy
• Curiosity and teamwork skills for working in interdisciplinary teams

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 Petrov 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 28525WBME12, by 12 November 2025.