Research Associate (m/f/d) - Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in at the Institute of Thermal Sep[...]

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 Thermal Separation Process at Hamburg University of Technology we are looking for a Research Associate (m/f/d) – Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeit in to conduct research within project Hybrid hydrogel-metal systems: actuation by controlling the hydrogel properties (A3) as part of the BlueMat Cluster of Excellence, as soon as possible. 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 different ways for production of porous materials (hydrogels) and water-driven mechanical actuation in hybrid soft–hard materials by coupling responsive hydrogels with porous metallic matrices. We aim for applications of these materials in chemical engineering and material science at different scales. Your research will establish processes for reversible switching of water-filled biopolymer hydrogels (e.g. cellulose‑based) in response to aqueous triggers such as pH, ionic strength, and CO₂. By integrating these soft, stimuli‑responsive gels into multiscale porous metals, the project aims to achieve locally controllable actuation from the molecular to the macroscopic level – advancing BlueMat’s vision of water‑mediated, adaptive materials.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

• Tailor the fluidity, mechanical strength, and responsiveness of cellulose‑based and enzymatically active hydrogels through polymer design and environmental control
• Infiltrate and integrate soft hydrogels into nanoporous metallic matrices and analyze gel–metal interactions using experimental and modeling approaches
• Develop quantitative models to correlate material structure, ionic environment, and actuation performance
• Assess scalability and reproducibility of hybrid gel–metal systems toward technical‑scale fabrication of water‑driven actuators
• Contribute to the BlueMat Cluster’s exploitation activities, including scale‑up of material synthesis and outreach efforts to promote the cluster’s scientific and technological impact

YOUR PROFILE

Essential qualification

• Completed university studies (master's degree or equivalent) in the subject of chemical / process engineering or material science

Required Knowledge And Personal Skills

• Curiosity and teamwork skills for working in interdisciplinary teams
• Very good English required (at least B2/C1 level according to CEFR) – German not mandatory
• Strong background in materials processing or process development

Desired knowledge and personal skills

• Experience with porous materials, gels, or hydrogels, and/or familiarity with modeling of such systems is beneficial
• Enthusiasm for communicating scientific results to the general public

OUR OFFER

• Scientific qualification with the opportunity to pursue a PhD 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. Irina Smirnova and Carolin Moser at

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 0726WBMV8, by 10 February 2026.