PhD student (m/f/d) in Polymer Materials for Light-Driven Catalysis at HIPOLE Jena

PhD Student (m/f/d) in Polymer Materials for Light-Driven Catalysis at HIPOLE Jena

Achieving climate‑neutrality within the next 20 years requires an innovation boost for highly efficient, scalable, low‑cost, and sustainably produced energy technologies. Polymer materials play a central role in this process, particularly in sustainable batteries and energy storage and conversion. HIPOLE Jena integrates world‑class expertise in polymer chemistry, materials science, high‑throughput experiments, and artificial intelligence with complementary expertise in inorganic/hybrid materials, scalable devices, and advanced characterization.

Research Focus

• Synthesis and modification of polymers, copolymers, and hybrid materials.
• Immobilization of catalysts and light‑harvesting units, and testing for light‑driven water splitting.
• Collaboration with national and international partners in the field of light‑driven catalysis.

Your Profile

• Successful master’s degree in chemistry or a comparable field of study.
• Extensive and proven experience in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, or catalysis.
• Experience with analytical methods for polymer characterization.
• Very good written and spoken English skills.
• High level of commitment, initiative, problem‑solving skills, and a willingness to familiarize yourself with diverse areas of responsibility.
• Strong teamwork, reliability, independence, and communication abilities.

Contract

Fixed‑term contract for 36 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD‑Bund).

Your Benefits at HZB

• International and diversity‑sensitive working environment at a Helmholtz Institute.
• Opportunity to contribute to the development of novel materials and technological solutions for a climate‑neutral future with top international researchers.
• Career‑enhancing networking opportunities and individual support and assistance programmes.
• Participation in the integrated graduate program of the CataLight Collaborative Research Centre.
• 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.
• Payment in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD‑Bund).

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.