PhD student (m/f/d) in Theoretical Chemistry of Polymers in Energy Applications at HIPOLE Jena

PhD student (m/f/d) in Theoretical Chemistry of Polymers in Energy Applications at HIPOLE Jena

Reference no.: HI 2026/9

Achieving climate-neutrality within the next 20 years necessitates an innovation boost for the development of highly efficient, scalable, low-cost, and sustainably produced energy technologies. Polymer materials play a central role in this process. Energy storage and conversion materials, particularly sustainable batteries, play a central role in this context. We are currently seeking a PhD student (m/f/d) for our Jena location.You have the opportunity to support a young institute with your ideas and expertise, and you will collaborate with researchers from around the world to contribute to the development of a climate-friendly future. The research focuses on modeling polymeric materials for energy applications,particularly self-healing materials, using methods from theoretical chemistry and materials modeling.

For more information on each thematic focus, please visit Homepage - HIPOLE Jena .

• Theoretical investigation of chemical processes in self-healing polymers, e.g., conjugated polymers
• Elucidation of self-healing mechanisms and calculation of relevant parameters
• Development of an efficient screening method for evaluating and optimizing self-healing materials for battery applications
• Derivation of structure-property relationships and comparison of theoretical results with experimental data
• Methods: quantum chemical methods, in particular density functional theory, semi-empirical methods, as well as wavefunction-based methods, molecular dynamics, and machine learning will be employed
• Results are to be documented, evaluated, and subsequently published
• Close collaboration with the experimental research groups at HIPOLE Jena
• Supervision of bachelor’s and master’s students
• Summary, presentation, and publication of the results in English

Your Profile

• Successful completion of a university degree in chemistry, materials science, or a comparable field of study
• Very good knowledge of theoretical chemistry/quantum chemistry and/or materials modelling
• Experience with Linux systems and high-performance computing systems
• Experience in the field of machine learning is desirable
• Very good written and spoken English skills

• Successful completion of a university degree in chemistry, materials science, or a comparable field of study
• Very good knowledge of theoretical chemistry/quantum chemistry and/or materials modelling
• Experience with Linux systems and high-performance computing systems
• Experience in the field of machine learning is desirable
• Very good written and spoken English skills

You demonstrate a high level of commitment, initiative, problem‑solving skills, and a willingness to familiarize yourself with diverse areas of responsibility. You are characterized by your teamwork skills, reliability, independence, and communication abilities (including proficiency in English).

Your Benefits at HZB

• International/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 together with top international researchers
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual support and assistance programmes
• Good work‑life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexible working hours, the possibility to work remotely
• 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)

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

We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people withdifferent backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce.We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women.Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.

At the newly founded Helmholtz Institute for Polymers in Energy Applications Jena (HIPOLE) in Jena HZB and Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU Jena)/Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena)join forces in the field of energy storage and conversion.Join us and help us achieve our goal!Find out more on our website or the website of the HZB .

Climate change poses serious challenges to the whole world.At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), we are researching materials for a climate‑neutral future.1,400 employees from all over the world work together to achieve this goal at the site in Berlin.