Job Description
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon conducts cutting-edge international research for a changing world: Around 1,000 employees contribute to the tackling of climate change, the sustainable use of the world's coastal systems and the resource-compatible enhancement of the quality of life. From fundamental research to practical applications, the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.
Institute of Metallic Biomaterials
In the Institute of Metallic Biomaterials new titanium and magnesium based implant materials for regenerative medicine are developed, produced and characterized. Researchers investigate the factors influencing the process chain and properties. In addition, the interaction of material and tissue is studied in the laboratory and at the synchrotron.
Postdoc Researcher – Fast in situ tomography for mechanical load experiments
JobID: 985 – 2026/MB 2 Location: Hamburg
Start: as soon as possibleApplication deadline: 20th, May, 2026
The Helmholtz‑Zentrum Hereon, as part of Germany's Helmholtz Association, conducts mission‑driven research addressing major societal challenges. Within Hereon, the Institute of Metallic Biomaterials focuses on the development and characterization of biodegradable magnesium‑based alloys for medical implant applications. In close collaboration with the Institute of Materials Physics, which operates state‑of‑the‑art imaging beamlines at PETRA III (DESY, Hamburg), we combine materials science with world‑leading synchrotron X‑ray imaging. This unique environment enables unprecedented insight into degradation, deformation, and fatigue mechanisms in metallic biomaterials under realistic loading conditions.
Insight into materials fatigue under load is essential across many technological and biomedical fields. In‑situ experiments are key to this, as they provide real‑time information on deformation and failure mechanisms. This is especially relevant for biodegradable implant materials, where detailed knowledge of degradation and fatigue behavior is required to ensure safety and performance. The high X‑ray flux density at the imaging beamlines P05 and P07 of PETRA III enables 4D in situ/operando tomography, allowing dynamic processes such as material corrosion or mechanical deformation during compression or tensile tests to be studied in 3D over time. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in a 3-year project to help push the boundaries of high‑speed, high‑resolution micro-tomography (µCT).
Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position. In principle, the full time position (39 h/week) is also sharable.
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