Postdoc (m/f/d) in Digital Catalysis at HIPOLE Jena

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 looking for aPostdoc (m/f/d) as soon as possiblefor our location in Jena. You will have the opportunity to actively contribute to the CARE-O-SENE project (Catalyst Research for Sustainable Kerosene)and collaborate with researchers from around the world to advance the development of sustainable aviation fuels. The position is embedded in the group of Dr. Kevin Maik Jablonka within the CARE-O-SENE project, with the following thematic focus:
Digital Catalysis: Data-driven methods for catalyst development, including LLM-based text mining and development of analysis methods (e.g., for spectroscopy data)

• Development and application of data-driven methods for catalyst research within the CARE-O-SENE project
• Use of artificial intelligence and Large Language Models (LLMs), e.g., for text mining of scientific literature
• Development of methods for the analysis of experimental data, e.g., from spectroscopy
• Collaboration with experimental partners within the CARE-O-SENE consortium
• Publication and presentation of research results

Your Profile

• Completed doctoral degree in chemistry, materials science, computer science, physics, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in machine learning and/or data analysis, preferably applied to chemistry or materials science
• Programming skills in Python; experience with ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, scikit-learn) and/or LLM APIs
• Interest in or experience with catalysis, spectroscopy, or related experimental methods
• Excellent 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).
You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary, international team within a diverse and dynamic work environment.

Your Benefits at HZB

• International/diversity-sensitive working environment at a Helmholtz Institutein the science city of Jena
• 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: 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)

The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

The employment contract is fixed-term until December 31, 2027. We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by . For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.

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. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.