Postdoctoral Researcher: Localized Electrochemistry, SECM, for Unraveling Degradation of Light Metals

Metal degradation can be a boon or a bane, depending on the application and on how well we can control it. A corroding car component is a safety risk. A biodegradable magnesium implant that dissolves at exactly the right rate spares patients a second surgery. An aqueous battery lives or dies depending on what happens at its electrodes.

At the Department of Electrochemistry and Big Data we unravel degradation pathways of light metals used in structural applications, medical devices and aqueous batteries. Since metal degradation is governed by interface reactions, local electrochemical methods, which measure the concentrations of species generated or consumed at the metal/electrolyte interface, provide valuable insight into electrochemical degradation mechanisms.

This position is created to employ a talented and motivated scientist able to run local electrochemical measurements using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). You will investigate how metals degrade in electrolytes ranging from simple model solutions to complex, physiologically relevant media. You will combine commercial and self-made amperometric and potentiometric micro-probes and micro-optodes to separate anodic and cathodic degradation pathways. You will also correlate your electrochemical data with surface chemistry and morphology.

We are offering a 3-year position, as soon as possible, as a Post-Doctoral researcher in the field of localized electro­analytical analysis. In principle, the position is full-time (39 h/week) and will be located in Hereon's main campus, in Geesthacht (near Hamburg). We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage qualified women to apply.

• Set up and commission a new customized SECM/SECCM system, and manage our established SVET/SIET localized electrochemistry facility
• Design, fabricate and characterize micro- and nano-electrodes tailored to required experiments using the techniques above
• Contribute to ongoing research projects in close collaboration with the principal investigators, while developing and pursuing your own research ideas
• Publish your results in leading peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences, write project reports
• Shape the digital future of our lab by connecting the localized electrochemistry instruments to our electronic lab notebook and establishing FAIR data management
• Co-supervise PhD students and help them grow as researchers
• Write or contribute to grant proposals and build your own track record in acquiring external funding

• A PhD in electrochemistry, physical chemistry, materials science or a related field
• Hands-on experience with SECM (SECCM experience is a strong plus), demonstrated through first-author publications
• Experience fabricating micro- or nanoelectrodes for SECM/SECCM
• Solid experimental skills in the chemical laboratory and confidence in quantitative data analysis using appropriate software
• Experience with the degradation or corrosion of metallic materials, especially light metals (experience with biodegradable metals or metallic medical devices is a strong plus)
• Fluent written and spoken English is required, knowledge of the German language is preferred but not mandatory

• Access to state-of-the-art (robotic) labs, unique scientific and technical infrastructure
• Access to a large international research and industrial network
• Funding for conferences, summer schools and courses needed or research stays
• An exciting job in a research center with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
• International Welcome Office with guest accommodation
• 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to EG 13 (according to EntgO Bund)
• Very good work-life balance; options for mobile and flexible work
• A green campus on the Elbe River, well-connected with Hamburg (public transport), subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket), charging facilities for electric vehicles
• Family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e.g. nursery/kindergarten close to the company
• Operational Health Management, e.g. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Corporate Benefits
• A varied offer in the canteen on campus

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon conducts cutting-edge international research for a changing world: Around 1,000 employees contribute to the tackling of climate change, the sustainable use of the world's coastal systems and the resource-compatible enhancement of the quality of life. From fundamental research to practical applications, the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.

The Institute of Surface Science specializes in the development of corrosion protection concepts and functional coatings that meet the requirements of future applications from the fields of structural lightweight construction, energy research and medical technology. The experimental development is closely accompanied by modelling approaches and artificial intelligence methods.

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