Reference no.: HI 2026/13
Achieving climate-neutrality within the next 20 years necessitates an innovation boost for the development of highly efficient, scalable, low-cost, and sustainably produced energy technologies. Polymer materials play a central role in this process. Energy storage and conversion materials, particularly sustainable batteries, play a central role in this context.
We are looking for a research associate / Postdoc (m/f/d) for our site in Jena, Germany. You will have the chance to support our young institute with your ideas and expertise from the very beginning and will collaborate with researchers from all over the world to contribute to the development of a climate-friendly future. The research focus will be in the field of sustainable polymer research with a focus on polymers for energy applications, working on the following topic:
- Organic and polymer-based redox-flow-batteries focusing on the development of new active materials
For more information on each thematic focus, please visit: Homepage – HIPOLE Jena.
Your Tasks
- Synthesis and characterization of novel molecules and polymers for use in organic / polymer-based redox-flow-batteries
- Assembly and electrochemical characterization of polymer redox flow batteries
- Summary, presentation and publication of the results (in English language)
Your Profile
- Completed PhD in polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, or a related field
- Extensive and proven experience in organic chemistry and/or polymer chemistry
- Experience with analytical methods for polymer characterization
- General computer skills, including Windows and Office
- Very good knowledge of electrochemistry
- Excellent written and spoken English skills
You demonstrate a high level of commitment, initiative, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to familiarize yourself with diverse areas of responsibility. You stand out due to your teamwork skills, reliability, independence, and communication abilities (including proficiency in English).
You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary, international team within a diverse and dynamic work environment.
Your Benefits at HZB
- International/diversity-sensitive working environment at a Helmholtz Institute
- Opportunity to contribute to the development of novel materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future together with top international researchers
- Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual support and assistance programmes
- Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, part-time, hybrid working
- 30 days paid leave
- Health management, company pension scheme (VBL), subsidy for the Deutschlandticket/Jobticket
- Long-term prospects, opportunities for further development/training programmes
- Payment in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD-Bund)
Fixed term contract for 24 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).
How to apply
We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 15.09.2026. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.
We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.