Research associate (m/f/d) - wissenschaftliche*r mitarbeiter*in at the institute of interface physics and engineering

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 .

For the Institute for Interface Physics and Engineering for 1 August 2026 we are looking for a

Research Associate (m/f/d) - 
Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in 

to conduct research within project  CA Modeling: Integrating machine learning capabilities into atomistic electrochemical simulations as part of the BlueMat Cluster of Excellence. The position is full time and fixed-term for three years. The remuneration is in accordance with salary group 13 TV-L (collective agreement for the public service of the federal states).

You will explore and advance your understanding of the electrochemical and interfacial phenomena present in the nanoporous materials studied in BlueMat. The overarching goal is to develop and apply novel computational methods that bridge multiple scales, from nanoscopic to macroscopic, in collaboration with your peers. Your key responsibilities will include integrating advanced charge equilibration (QEq) methods into machine-learned force fields (MLFFs) to achieve ab initio-level accuracy at a reduced computational cost and modeling long-range electrostatic effects, including Faradaic processes, in electrochemical environments. This position will contribute fundamental insights into electrochemical processes and the dielectric behavior of confined water. These insights will support multiscale modeling efforts in electrochemistry and materials science.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Develop hybrid machine-learned force fields (MLFFs) combined with polarizable force fields to enable accurate, computationally efficient electrochemical simulations
• Implement advanced charge equilibration (QEq) methods to incorporate long-range electrostatic effects and adapt atomic partial charges dynamically based on local chemical environments
• Conduct high-fidelity molecular dynamics simulations informed by DFT and MLFFs to investigate the atomistic mechanisms of water splitting, diffusion in confinement, and transport properties at electrochemical interfaces
• Collaborate closely with BlueMat partners in imaging, modeling, and fluid transport to integrate your findings into the broader cluster program
• Share your findings through publications and engage with the research community and the public
  

YOUR PROFILE

Essential qualification

• Completed scientific university studies in Computational Science with a natural sciences specialization or in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science with a specialization in scientific computing

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Curiosity and teamwork skills for working in interdisciplinary teams
• Very good English required (at least B2/C1 level according to CEFR) – German is not mandatory
• Substantial knowledge of programming languages, including C++ and Python and its application to solve natural science problems
• Experienced in high-performance computing and software development with strong programming skills

Desired knowledge and personal skills

• Proficient in using common atomistic simulation software for performing molecular dynamics or ab-initio calculations; experience with machine learning-based force fields is advantageous
• Familiarity with object-oriented programming and parallelization methods, such as MPI or CUDA

OUR OFFER

• Scientific qualification with the opportunity to pursue a PhD in a leading research cluster 
• Access to BlueMat Academy: training workshops, German language support, mentoring, and career development
• Participation in international conferences, research stays, and collaborative networks
• Flexible working conditions, 30 vacation days, family-friendly policies 
• Access to on-campus fitness facilities and health promotion programs

Got questions before applying? Contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Robert Meißner at  robert.meissner@tuhh.de - we’re happy to support you.

Inclusive excellence drives better science. We actively seek female & international researchers from all walks of life, valuing non-linear careers and diverse perspectives across cultures, disciplines, and identities. We explicitly welcome applications from persons with severe disabilities and those with equivalent status as defined in Section 2 of the German Social Code, Book IX (SGB IX).

Please submit your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, degree certificates) via the online application system, quoting the vacancy ID 13226WBMM29, by 30 June 2026.