Reference no.: HI 2026/4
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 Postdoc (m/f/d) for our location in Jena. You will have the opportunity to support a young institute with your ideas and expertise and will collaborate with researchers from around the world to contribute to the development of a climate-friendly future. The research focus lies in supporting battery research with conceptual approaches to the characterization of polymeric materials as a bridge between material synthesis and energy applications, with the following aspects playing a role:
- Structural investigation of polymeric materials, including usage of hydrodynamic methods
- Fundamental development of new characterization methods, including the use of globally unique instruments for analytical ultracentrifugation, fractionation, and light scattering
- Establishment of synchrotron-based characterization of polymeric and colloidal systems in collaboration with scientists and engineers at HZB
For more information on our thematic focus, please visit Homepage – HIPOLE Jena.
Your Tasks
- Characterization of novel materials for use in energy storage systems (e.g., redox flow batteries) using hydrodynamic and light scattering methods
- Building fundamental expertise in energy research and assisting with the supervision of degree theses (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
- Conceptual development of characterization methods in solution, particularly with regard to the institute’s needs
- Summary, presentation and publication of the results in English
- Active development of your academic profile and expertise in an exciting new field of work and research
Your Profile
- Successful Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related field, as well as a Ph.D. in macromolecular chemistry, physical chemsitry of polymers, engineering, or related fields
- Excellent understanding of fundamental physical principles and their practical application
- Knowledge of polymer chemistry/polymer physics is an advantage
- Basic knowledge of analytical techniques and methods
- In addition to general computer skills, including Windows and Office, an affinity for programming and the use of advanced software is a plus
- Very good written and spoken English skills including experience in presenting scientific content in English
- Very good publication record and, ideally, experience in securing external funding
You demonstrate a high level of commitment, initiative, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to familiarize yourself with diverse areas of responsibility. You are characterized by 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 in the science city of Jena
- 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)
The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).
How to apply
The employment contract is limited to 24 months. There is the possibility of both an extension and a permanent position. We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 15.05.2026. 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.