Postdoc (m/f/d) Computational Chemist MOST at HIPOLE Jena

Postdoc (m/f/d) Computational Chemist MOST at HIPOLE Jena

Reference no.: HI 2026/1

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 a Computational Chemist / Postdoc (m/f/d) for our location in Jena. The postdoctoral position offers a unique opportunity to tackle critical challenges by conducting cutting‑edge research in the field of theoretical chemistry. The focus is on optimizing molecular solar thermal storage systems (MOST) in close collaboration with various theoretical and experimental partners.

For more information on our research, please visit our Homepage – HIPOLE Jena.

• Screening of molecular solar thermal storage (MOST) systems, such as 2‑thiophenylazobenzene derivatives, using quantum chemical methods and machine learning tools
• Development of design concepts for optimizing MOST systems
• Investigation of the influence of intermolecular interactions on the properties of MOST systems
• Methods: Density Functional Theory (DFT), semi‑empirical methods, wavefunction‑based methods, and machine learning are applied
• The results should be documented, evaluated, and then published.
• Close collaboration with experimental and theoretical research groups in Gießen, Erlangen, Tübingen, Frankfurt, and Heidelberg
• Supervision of Bachelor's/Master's students and doctoral candidates
• Summary, presentation and publication of the results in English

Your Profile

• Completed academic degree in Chemistry or Materials Science
• PhD (or near completion) in Theoretical Chemistry / Quantum Chemistry or Materials Modeling
• Extensive knowledge in the fields of Theoretical Chemistry / Quantum Chemistry and Materials Modeling
• Experience with Linux systems and high‑performance computing
• Experience in machine learning is desirable
• Very good written and spoken English skills
• Very good publication record
• Experience in presenting scientific content in English

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 in 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 limited until . The position will be filled promptly. 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.

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.