Research Associate

Research Associate

(m/f/d) /

Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin

Institute Institute of Thermal Separation Processes RemunerationEG 13

TV-L

ID: 32925WV8

Start of employment February 16th 2026

Application deadline November 25th 2025

Scope full time, fixed term until February 15th 2029 The DFG-funded project FATE (Functionalized Aerogels for Thermoacoustic Emission) aims to pioneer the use of ultra-light biopolymer aerogels as substrates for high-performance thermoacoustic emitters. By combining expertise from the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM, Berlin), the project seeks to establish a new class of broadband air-coupled ultrasonic transmitters based on aerogels with extremely low thermal effusivity.

The project at TUHH focuses on the design, synthesis, and rational optimization of nanostructured bio-based aerogels for thermoacoustic applications. The research combines experimental work on material fabrication and structural control with model-based analysis and active experimental design. The candidate will develop methods to tailor porosity and surface morphology, apply data-driven optimization strategies to synthetic protocols, and support the integration of optimized aerogels into thermoacoustic demonstrators in collaboration with BAM. A balanced combination of experimental and computational work (50/50) is expected.

YOUR TASKS

• Design and synthesis of nanostructured, bio-based aerogels with tailored porosity and surface morphology
• Structural control and process optimization through mechanical modification, surface treatment, and rational process design
• Integration of experimental and computational approaches for data-driven process optimization and active experimental design
• Multimodal characterization and correlation of structural, thermal, and morphological features with thermoacoustic performance
• Collaboration with BAM on coating and demonstrator development; dissemination of results in journals and conferences

YOUR PROFILE

Requirements

• Completed scientific university studies, in particular in the subject of materials science, physical chemistry, polymer science or chemical engineering

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Proven experience in laboratory-based experimental research, including synthesis, materials processing, and quantitative data evaluation
• Familiarity with design-of-experiments (DoE) methodologies and response surface optimization
• Knowledge of data-driven and model-supported process optimization (e.g., Bayesian or active learning approaches)
• Background in thermoacoustic phenomena, acoustic materials, or related experimental physics/engineering domains is desirable
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, with the ability to work across disciplinary boundaries

OUR OFFER

• a job in an interesting, friendly and appreciative working environment
• flexible and family-friendly working conditions
• 30 day vacation per year
• good public transport connections
• comprehensive training and further education programs
• special conditions in further gyms

At the heart of TU Hamburg's research, teaching and transfer of technology is the guiding principle of developing technology for people. The TU Hamburg sees itself in this context as a family-friendly and sustainable university with high performance and quality standards that strives for excellence in all its research fields. Interdisciplinarity, innovation, regionality and internationality are binding principles in our actions. With currently around 8.000 students, 110 professors and 1.650 employees, the TU Hamburg is characterised by short decision-making processes and close cooperation between the board, the institutes, the deans of studies, the research areas and the administration. We identify ourselves with a modern leadership culture and cultivate appreciative interaction.

For further information please contact Dr. Pavel Gourikov, Tel.-Nr.

, Email:

We value diversity, therefore all applications are welcome, regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnic origin, nationality, age, religion and belief, disability, sexual orientation and identity or social background.

The TUHH stands for equal opportunities

as well as appreciative and respectful cooperation.

Please send your complete application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae in table form, proof ofcompleted training and/or university degree, job references or certificates of employment) via the online application system.

Notice for severely disabled persons and people with equal status.

Notice for graduates of foreign educational qualifications:

Please submit proof of all obtained university degrees and, if available, the recognition of your educational qualifications in Germany (e.g. anabin excerpts and/or acknowledgement of previous employers).

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