Research Associate for the Project “Plant-Inspired Multiscale Porous Systems for Tunable Water Flux“ in the Cluster of Excellence “BlueMat: Water-Driven Materials” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Biomimetics, Institute of Wood Science
Salary level
Start date01.02.2026, fixed until 31.01.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline12.11.2025
Scope of workpart-time
Weekly hours65 % of standard work hours per week
Your responsibilities
Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.
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.
The hierarchical structuring of pores with varying geometries, in interaction with water, underpins a wide range of plant functions and even shapes the global environment by influencing climate through transpiration across leaf surfaces. Drawing inspiration from multifunctional, water-driven plant systems, project B1 aims to translate biological principles into modular, hierarchically organized porous devices enabling improved and at best tunable water condensation, evaporation, and drying.
Your contribution will include:
1. develop methods for (in-situ) dynamic (bio-) material characterization
2. characterize the tunability of water condensation, evaporation, and drying of different biological role models
3. simplify the functional principles into concepts for devices with improved and tunable water condensation, evaporation, and drying
4. collaborate closely with BlueMat partners in imaging, modeling, and fluid transport to integrate findings into the broader cluster program
5. share your findings through publications and engage with the research community and public
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
Recruitment requirement
6. completed scientific university studies, in particular in the subject areas of material science, wood science, biology, mechanics, thermodynamics and ideally experience in biomimetic design thinking
Required knowledge and personal skills
7. curiosity and teamwork skills for working in interdisciplinary teams
8. very good English required (at least B2/C1 level according to CEFR) – German is not mandatory. Language support available
9. strong background in material science, imaging, spectroscopy, and/or biomimetics
Desired knowledge and personal skills
10. beneficial is the experience with nanostructured or porous materials, sorption, plant water management and 3D image data analysis
We offer
11. Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
12. Continuing education opportunities
13. University pensions
14. Attractive location
15. Flexible working hours
16. Work-life balance opportunities
17. Health management, EGYM Wellpass
18. Educational leave
19. 30 days of vacation per annum
20. scientific qualification with the opportunity to pursue a PhD in a leading research cluster
21. access to BlueMat Academy: training workshops, mentoring, and career development
22. participation in international conferences, research stays, and collaborative networks
Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.
The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.
Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.