Postdoctoral Research Associate

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

Optical and Electronic Materials

at Hamburg University of Technology for 1 February 2026 we are looking for aPostdoctoral Research Associate (m/f/d) -

Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin (Postdoc)

to conduct research within project Water-driven plasmonics: Tuning optical properties of nanostructured metals by electrochemical oxidation (C2) as part of the BlueMat Cluster of Excellence. The position is full time and fixed-term until 31 January 2029. The remuneration is in accordance with salary group 13

TV-L

(collective agreement for the public service of the federal states).

You will explore how electrochemical oxidation in aqueous environments can be used to tune the optical and plasmonic properties of nanostructured metals. Your work will reveal how water-driven surface reactions can control light–matter interactions at the nanoscale. This research opens up new pathways for plasmonic photocatalysis, infrared-active coatings, and functional metallic nanostructures.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Investigate the optical properties of nanostructured metals such as copper in the near- and mid-infrared range and their tunable response under electrochemical oxidation
• Conduct in-situ ellipsometry and spectroscopy in electrochemical environments to study reversible oxidation and its effects on optical properties of metal
• Develop theoretical and simulation models of nanoporous plasmonic structures to describe their effective optical response as a function of pore geometry and oxide coating
• Explore the photocatalytic behavior of pristine and oxidized nanoporous metals under illumination, including studies of electron photoemission
• Collaborate closely with BlueMat partners on modeling, photo electrocatalysis, and advanced materials characterization to integrate your findings into the broader cluster program
• Share your findings through publications and engage with the research community and public

YOUR PROFILE

Essential qualification

• Completed or almost completed PhD degree in electric engineering, physics or materials science, with focus on optics and photonics

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Strong background in optical simulations and characterization, and/or light–matter interactions
• Very good English required (at least B2/C1 level according to CEFR) – German is not mandatory
• Beneficial is experience with nanostructured or porous materials, sorption, optical scattering and spectroscopy
• Curiosity and teamwork skills for working in interdisciplinary teams

Desired knowledge and personal skills

• Experience with plasmonic and/or electrochemical materials research is of advantage

OUR OFFER

• Scientific qualification with the opportunity to sharpen the acadamic profile in a leading research cluster
• Access to BlueMat Academy: training workshops, German language support, mentoring, and career development
• Participation in international conferences, research stays, and collaborative networks
• Flexible working conditions, 30 vacation days, family-friendly policies
• Access to on-campus fitness facilities and health promotion programs

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Alexander Petrov at

• we are pleased to support you.

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. We explicitly welcome applications from persons with severe disabilities and those with equivalent status

as defined in Section 2 of the German Social Code, Book IX (SGB IX).

The Hamburg University of Technology stands for equal opportunities

as well as appreciative and respectful cooperation.

Please submit your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, degree certificates) via the online application system, quoting the vacancy ID 31025WBME12, by 12 November 2025.