Research Associate for the Project “Cluster of Excellence, BlueMat: Water-driven Materials – Tunable Hydraulic and Capillarity-Driven Water Flow in Nanoporous Materials” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic and Applied Chemistry

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.11.2026, fixed until 31.10.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-09-30

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 66 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

The Research Associate will work on the project “Tunable Hydraulic and Capillarity-Driven Water Flow in Nanoporous Materials” which is part of the Research Area “Fluid Transport Materials” within the Cluster of Excellence – BlueMat: Water-Driven Materials”. In conventional porous media, hydraulic permeability and capillary pressure during imbibition are determined by static geometry, water-solid interaction, and fluid viscosity. This project aims to integrate mechanisms for stimulus-dependent changes in the pore size and solid-liquid interaction, resulting in tunable permeability and polarity-induced changes of local capillary forces. Combining this strategy with multiscale 3D structuring and local interface modification will enable materials that can locally and reversibly switch imbibition ability and kinetics. This project focuses on understanding dynamic fluid-solid interactions upon reversible tuning by external stimuli in 3D multiscale porous structures. The project addresses the following research questions: How can we explore the water-solid interfacial structure and measure the impact of tunable pore size und surface polarity on fluid transport? How can we tailor the flow and permeability rates by adjusting multiscale porosity and response to stimuli? How can we fabricate structured 3D (nano)porous materials with locally and reversibly tunable permeability and surface polarity?

The Research Associate specific responsibilities include:

• synthesis of multiscale porous materials with stimuli-induced tunable porosity and surface polarity as powders and 3D monoliths
• characterization of the materials with respect to their structure, porosity and thermal stability
• investigation of the structural and dynamic behavior of water or aqueous solutions in nanoconfinement
• developing and co-authoring articles for publication in scientific journals
• collaborating with other research groups in the cluster and outside
• participating in experiments at large scale synchrotron and neutron facilities
• supervising BSc and MSc students
• contributing to project administration and reporting

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

Candidates are required to have:

• a master’s degree in chemistry or materials science
• we seek an outstanding scientist with substantive expertise in the area of synthetic chemistry of nanoporous materials and their characterization combined with a basic physical understanding of phase transformations and fluidics
• experience
• in the synthesis of inorganic or hybrid materials with single or hierarchical pore structures by means of soft- and/or hard-templating routes or other techniques
• characterization of these materials using XRD, TG/DTA/MS, gas physisorption, SEM, TEM
• characterization of nanoconfined water by NMR, IR/Raman, DSC
• sufficient command of English (both spoken and written)

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Attractive location

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance opportunities

Health management, EGYM Wellpass

Educational leave

30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements ( and ).

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Dr. Michael Fröba

Location

Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6
20146 Hamburg

Reference number

245

Application deadline

2026-09-30

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.