Research Associate (Doctoral Candidate) (f/m/d) (A022-26)

Organisation/Company University of Bremen Department Faculty 4 - Production Engineering Research Field Engineering » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 19 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number A022-26 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

At the University of Bremen, in Department 4 – Production Engineering (Advanced Ceramics Group, ), a position is available at the earliest possible date for a

Research Associate (Doctoral Candidate) (f/m/d)

(pay grade EG 13 TV-L)

with 100% of the regular weekly working hours (39.2 hours/week),

fixed-term (in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG)for 3 years .

Part-time employment is generally possible. Details can be arranged with Department 4 if required.

Solar thermal energy conversion is an important component of the green energy transition. To improve the efficiency of solar thermal systems, solar-selective absorber coatings are designed to maximize solar absorption while minimizing infrared emissivity. However, established 2D coating approaches for flat collectors are not readily transferable to porous 3D materials, which are highly attractive due to their large surface area, enhanced light absorption, and improved convective heat transfer.

Plasmonic nanoparticles offer a promising route to overcome this limitation by enabling efficient photothermal conversion in porous ceramic open-cell foams. These materials combine excellent heat transfer and flow properties with high mechanical and thermal stability, long service life, and reusability. As a result, they are well suited for sustainable solar thermal applications ranging from domestic water heating to solar power plants, thermophotovoltaics, and photothermal catalysis.

In this DFG-funded project, we aim to develop and investigate fully inorganic plasmonic ceramic open-cell foams for solar photothermal conversion. The materials consist of an inert ceramic matrix (alumina or aluminum nitride) combined with surface-deposited or incorporated plasmonic transition-metal nitrides (TiN, ZrN, HfN). The foams will be fabricated via established colloidal processing routes, while the plasmonic nitrides will be synthesized in situ by magnesiothermic reduction of oxidic precursors in molten salts.

The project is conducted in collaboration with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Fieback’s group at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, who will perform thermodynamic investigations of the materials.

The main responsibilities include:

• Working on the project, in particular with regard to the fabrication of ceramic foams and the synthesis of transition metal nitrides
• Conducting independent research within the framework of the project, with the opportunity to pursue and complete a doctoral dissertation in an interdisciplinary context
• Presenting and exchanging scientific results at conferences and publishing research findings in internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals
• Collaborating with other doctoral candidates, researchers, and industrial partners to promote joint scientific projects and publications

Your profile:

• Successfully completed university degree (Master’s or equivalent university diploma) in chemistry, engineering sciences, or a comparable field
• Solid background in inorganic and/or solid-state chemistry, applied materials science, or related disciplines
• Experience with modern imaging techniques such as X-ray tomography and electron microscopy, combined with relevant programming and scripting skills for image analysis, is considered a strong asset
• Excellent command of German, both written and spoken (minimum CEF level C1)
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken (minimum CEF level C1)

General information

We offer:

• Annual special payment (“Christmas bonus”), regular collectively agreed salary increases, and an additional occupational pension scheme for the public sector (VBL)
• A secure, interesting, and varied position at an open-minded and internationally oriented university
• 30 days of paid annual leave per calendar year
• A diverse, forward-looking, and open organizational culture
• Support from a collegial and motivated team with a positive working atmosphere
• Individual onboarding and induction
• Opportunities for professional development and further training
• A good work–life balance through flexible working hours (flexitime) and the option of mobile working, bject to applicable conditions
• Free support services within the framework of social and family counseling
• An active occupational health management program, including the possibility of discounted access to local sports clubs, fitness studios, and swimming pools (EGYM Wellpass)
• The option to use a subsidized job ticket for public transportation
• A wide range of sports and cultural activities
• Varied and affordable dining options in the cafeterias operated by the Student Services (Studierendenwerk)

Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has preserved its character as a place of short paths for people and ideas since its founding 50 years ago. With a broad range of subjects, we combine exceptional performance and great innovation potential. As an ambitious research university, we stand for the approach of research-based learning and a strong focus on interdisciplinarity. We actively and collaboratively engage in scientific cooperation worldwide.

Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, conduct research and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration and operation, we are committed to firmly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is manifested in the courage to embrace new challenges, in a supportive community, and in respect and appreciation for one another. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we take on social responsibility in the region, in Europe and globally. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age or sexual orientation and identity.

The University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female employees in science, which is why women are expressly encouraged to apply. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority unless reasons relating to a male competitor prevail.

Disabled applicants will be given priority if their professional and personal qualifications are essentially the same.

For general questions about the recruitment process and for questions about the advertised position, please contact

Please submit your application with complete and meaningful documents (cover letter, CV, proof of qualifications, certificates) quoting the reference numberA022-26by March 19, 2026 asone PDF file via unencrypted electronic mail to:

We kindly ask you to submit only copies (no folders), as we are unable to return them. Once the selection process has been completed, your application documents will be stored in accordance with legal requirements and then destroyed.

Any costs incurred in connection with the application process cannot be reimbursed.

Please note that no photos should be included with your application documents.