Institute of Materials Physics and Technology (Group of Materials Mechanics) RemunerationEG 13 ID: 4126WM22 Start of employment: as soon as possible Application deadline 23.02.2026 Scope full time and fixed-term until 28.02.2029

In this role, you will conduct research in the project "Micromechanical simulation of viscoplastic deformation in nanoporous metals", contributing to cutting-edge studies at the intersection of materials science, mechanics, and computational modeling. Your research will focus on how the microstructure and porosity of these materials govern their mechanical response under various loading conditions. You will develop and implement finite element models that capture the time-dependent microscale deformation processes, including dislocation-mediated plasticity, and integrate these mechanisms into macroscopic simulation frameworks. By connecting microscale material behavior with overall material response, your work will bridge the gap between fundamental materials physics and predictive modeling for engineering applications.

YOUR TASKS

Develop and implement finite element models to simulate time-dependent viscoplastic deformation in nanoporous metals at the microscale
Investigate dislocation-mediated plasticity, strain localization, and other microscale mechanisms and integrate them into macroscopic material models
Analyze the influence of microstructure, porosity, and material heterogeneities on mechanical response under diverse loading conditions
Collaborate closely with experimental teams to validate simulation models and ensure alignment with observed material behavior
Communicate research findings through scientific publications, presentations, and engagement with the materials science community

YOUR PROFILE

Requirements

Completed scientific university studies, in particular in the subject Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics

Desired knowledge and personal skills

Strong background in computational materials mechanics, and finite element methods
Solid understanding of nonlinear material behavior (plasticity) with inhomogeneous microstructure
Hands-on skills in object-oriented programming language Python or C++
Very good English required (at least B2/C1 level according to CEFR) – German is not mandatory
Curiosity and teamwork skills for working in interdisciplinary teams

OUR OFFER

Scientific qualification with the opportunity to pursue a PhD
Participation in international conferences, research stays, and collaborative networks
Flexible and family-friendly working conditions
30 day vacation per year (5-days a week)
Internal offers for health promotion and special conditions in further gyms

At the heart of TU Hamburg’s research, teaching and transfer of technology is the guiding principle of developing technology for people. The TU Hamburg sees itself in this context as a family-friendly and sustainable university with high performance and quality standards that strives for excellence in all its research fields. Interdisciplinarity, innovation, regionality and internationality are binding principles in our actions. With currently around 8.000 students, 110 professors and 1.650 employees, the TU Hamburg is characterised by short decision-making processes and close cooperation between the board, the institutes, the deans of studies, the research areas and the administration. We identify ourselves with a modern leadership culture and cultivate appreciative interaction.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Norbert Huber at or Dr. Tim Fischer at - we are pleased to support you.

We value diversity, therefore all applications are welcome, regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnic origin, nationality, age, religion and belief, disability, sexual orientation and identity or social background.

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Please send your complete application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae in table form, proof of completed training and/or university degree, job references or certificates of employment) via the online application system.

Notice for graduates of foreign educational qualifications:
Please submit proof of all obtained university degrees and, if available, the recognition of your educational qualifications in Germany (e.g. anabin excerpts and/or acknowledgement of previous employers).