About the opportunity
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon Institute of Surface Science is offering a 3-year part-time PhD position (19.5 hours/week) at its main campus in Geesthacht, near Hamburg. The researcher will work at the Department of Electrochemistry and Big Data, utilizing a robotic high-throughput testing platform combined with machine learning to develop and validate experimental methods for accelerated screening of chemical conversion treatment formulations. The doctorate will be awarded by the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). The project investigates aluminum and magnesium alloys to improve corrosion protection and paint adhesion for lighter vehicles, aircraft, and consumer goods.
Salary and benefits
- Remuneration up to EG 13 according to the collective agreement of the public service
- Doctorate awarded by Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH)
- Access to state-of-the-art robotic laboratories and technical infrastructure
- Funding for conferences, summer schools, courses, and research stays
- International Welcome Office with guest accommodation support
- 6 weeks of holiday per year plus company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
- Options for mobile and flexible work
- Deutschlandticket subsidy and public transport connectivity
- Childcare facilities and family-friendly policies
- Operational Health Management and corporate benefits
Who can apply?
- Completed master's degree in chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, computational materials science, or a related field
- Solid experimental skills in chemical laboratories and confidence in quantitative data analysis
- Experience with corrosion protection, including chemical conversion coatings for light alloys (Mg, Al, or Zn)
- Experience with electronic lab notebooks, FAIR data, databases, or machine learning
- Curiosity about automation and AI
- Very good English language skills
Required documents
- Cover letter
- CV
- Transcripts
- Certificates
When to apply
- Start of announcement: 21.10.2026
- End of announcement / Application deadline: 03.11.2026
How to apply
- Prepare comprehensive application documents including a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and certificates indicating reference number code 1077
- Submit the application through the online applicant portal before the deadline of November 3, 2026
Additional information
- The position is part-time (19.5 hours per week) and limited to 3 years.
- Content-related enquiries can be directed to Sviatlana.Lamaka@hereon.de.
- Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable will be considered preferentially.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Strong background in chemistry, materials science, or electrochemistry with an interest in robotics and AI-assisted discovery
- Desire to pursue a structured 3-year PhD program with an industrial focus and an official doctorate from TUHH
- Interest in working in an international research center environment with access to advanced high-throughput laboratory infrastructure
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is offered on a part-time basis (19.5 hours per week), which may impact living cost calculations and scheduling
- Relocation to Geesthacht (near Hamburg, Germany) is required for this on-site research role
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers an excellent entry point for researchers aiming to bridge experimental materials science with machine learning and automation, while earning a PhD from TUHH with full social benefits and conference funding.
Our take
Candidates with a master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline who are eager to work at the intersection of robotics, AI, and corrosion science should apply before the November 3, 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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