Research Associate
Job ID: 925
Location: Geesthacht
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 of Surface Science, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon for 1 February 2026 we are looking for a Research Associate to conduct research within the projects All-Water Redox Batteries (D2) as part of the BlueMat Cluster of Excellence. In principle, the full time position (39 h/week) is also sharable and fixed-term until 31 January 2029.
Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position.
In the project you explore new battery solutions using water-based electrolytes and elucidating the critical interactions between water and aqueous electrolyte components at electrified interfaces and investigate the interactions between novel electrode materials and water within the context of battery technology.
Your tasks
- target the discovery of new electrolyte additives to enhance the stability of zinc-ion batteries
- leverage the Robotic Testing Platform (RTP) at Hereon for high-throughput experimental screening
- build an initial experimental database to train QSPR models for predicting additive performance
- investigate stripping/plating mechanisms and the role of electrolyte additives
- collaborate closely with BlueMat partners in energy storage, modeling, and fluid transport to integrate findings into the broader cluster program
- share your findings through high-impact publications and engage with the research community and public
Your profile
Recruitment requirement
- completed scientific university studies in the subject areas of chemistry, materials science, electrochemistry
Required knowledge and personal skills
- experience with battery research with aqueous electrolyte, especially development of electrolyte additives and additive screening
- hands-on experience with high-throughput experimentation or automated platforms
- expertise in localized electrochemistry
- strong analytical skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
- proven record of publications in high impact journals
- very good English required (at least B2/C1 level according to CEFR) – German is not mandatory
Desired knowledge and personal skills
- familiarity with in-silico modeling, QSPR, or AI-based chemical analysis is a strong plus
- motivated to contribute to cutting-edge battery research with real-world impact
We offer you
- an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
- a well-connected research campus (public transport) and best networking opportunities, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket)
- individual opportunities for further training
- social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to pay group 13 according to TV EntgO Bund
- an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
- 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
- very good compatibility private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
- family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e. g. nursery close to the company
- free assistance program for employees (EAP)
- corporate benefits
- a varied offer in the canteen on campus
- access to BlueMat Academy: training workshops, German language support, mentoring, and career development
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.
Got questions before applying? Contact Prof. Zheludkevich (mikhail.zheludkevich@hereon.de) or Dr. Lamaka (Sviatlana.lamaka@hereon.de).
Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.
Interested? We are looking forward to receiving your application.