Research Associate for the Project “Design of Novel Catalyst-Coated Membranes (CCMs) for PEM Water Electrolysis” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

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

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.05.2026, fixed until 31.12.2028 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-03-11

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 67 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Duties primarily include research. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

Your research focus will be on the structural and electrochemical diagnostics of catalyst-coated membranes for PEM water electrolysis. Promising electrode material candidates will be tested in fully automatic test stations under realistic conditions. You will learn and improve your skills and knowledge in preparation, characterization and testing of porous electrode materials for technical application.

What You Will Do:

• coating and structural characterization of catalyst-coated membranes
• apply electrochemical diagnostic tools for low-temperature water electrolysis
• perform in situ/ex situ characterization methods to describe and simulate the electrode - electrolyte interface including the ionomer distribution

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, Physics or related fields.
• experience with preparation, coating and characterization of porous electrode materials and/or
• experience in water electrolysis or fuel cell testing and/or
• experience in structure/morphology characterization is an advantage and highly desirable

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

Green Hydrogen and Electrocatalysis are your passion!

Join our Technical Electrocatalysis Team to develop advanced electrocatalysts for water electrolysis and be involved in high profile research at the forefront of science. Present your research at international conferences and be connected with leading research groups worldwide.

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.

Instructions for applying

Contact

Application Team ITEC

Location

Grindelallee 117
20146 Hamburg

Reference number

47

Application deadline

2026-03-11

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.