Postdoc (m/f/d) for Theoretical Chemistry of Polymers in Energy Applications at HIPOLE Jena
Reference no.: HI 2026/10
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 Postdoc (m/f/d) for our site in Jena, Germany. You have the opportunity to contribute your ideas and expertise to a still young research institute and will collaborate with researchers from all over the world to help shape a climate-friendly future. The research focus lies on the modelling of polymeric materials for energy applications using methods from theoretical chemistry and materials modelling.
For more information on each thematic focus, please visit our Homepage - HIPOLE Jena.
Your Tasks
- Development and implementation of screening procedures for battery materials
- Investigation of potential degradation mechanisms
- Development of design concepts
- Calculation of selected polymer structures
- Methods: Application of quantum chemical methods, in particular density functional theory (DFT), semi-empirical methods, as well as wave function-based methods, molecular dynamics simulations, and machine learning approaches
- Documentation, analysis, and subsequent publication of research results
- Close collaboration with experimental research groups at HIPOLE Jena
- Supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s students as well as PhD students
- Summary, presentation, and publication of results in English language
Your Profile
- Completed scientific university degree in chemistry or materials science, as well as a PhD in theoretical chemistry/quantum chemistry or materials modelling
- Extensive knowledge in the field of theoretical chemistry/quantum chemistry and materials modelling
- Experience in the modelling of energy materials/battery materials is desirable
- Experience in the field of machine learning, as well as experience with Linux systems and high-performance computing (HPC) systems, is desirable
- Experience in molecular dynamics simulations is desirable
- Very good written and spoken English skills
- Experience in presenting scientific content in English
You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary, international team within a diverse and dynamic work environment.
Your Benefits at HZB
- International/diversity-sensitive working environment at a Helmholtz Institute
- 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
- Long-term prospects, opportunities for further development/training programmes
- 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 to 24 months. There is the possibility of an extension.
We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 27.08.2026. 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.
For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.