About the opportunity
The Institute of Surface Science at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon is offering a 3-year postdoctoral position within the Department of Electrochemistry and Big Data. The role focuses on unraveling degradation pathways of light metals used in structural applications, medical devices, and aqueous batteries. The successful candidate will set up and commission a customized SECM/SECCM system, fabricate micro- and nano-electrodes, investigate degradation in simple model and physiologically relevant media, and correlate electrochemical data with surface chemistry and morphology. The position is full-time (39 hours per week) and located at Hereon’s main campus in Geesthacht, near Hamburg.
Salary and benefits
- Remuneration up to EG 13 according to the collective agreement of the public service (EntgO Bund) with social benefits
- Access to state-of-the-art robotic labs and unique scientific and technical infrastructure
- Funding for conferences, summer schools, courses, and research stays
- 6 weeks of holiday per year and company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
- Options for mobile and flexible work for a very good work-life balance
- International Welcome Office with guest accommodation
- Public transport subsidy (Deutschlandticket job ticket) and electric vehicle charging facilities on a green campus by the Elbe River
- Family-friendly policies with nearby childcare facilities such as a nursery and kindergarten
- Operational Health Management including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and corporate benefits
Who can apply?
- A PhD in electrochemistry, physical chemistry, materials science, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with SECM, demonstrated through first-author publications
- Experience fabricating micro- or nano-electrodes for SECM or SECCM
- Solid experimental skills in the chemical laboratory and confidence in quantitative data analysis using appropriate software
- Experience with the degradation or corrosion of metallic materials, especially light metals
- Fluent written and spoken English
Required documents
- Cover letter
- CV
- Transcripts
- Certificates
When to apply
- Start of announcement: 29.10.2026
- Deadline for applications: 25.11.2026
How to apply
- Prepare comprehensive application documents including a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and certificates, indicating the reference number 1082 – 2026/MO 5
- Submit the application through the online applicant portal via the official Hereon careers page by 25 November 2026
Additional information
- Content-related enquiries can be directed to Sviatlana.Lamaka@hereon.de
- Knowledge of the German language is preferred but not mandatory, and language learning support is provided
- 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…
- Researchers holding a recent PhD in electrochemistry, physical chemistry, or materials science who possess hands-on publication-backed SECM experience
- Scientists interested in advancing methodologies for localized electro-analytical analysis and developing novel micro- or nano-electrodes
- Candidates looking for a well-funded, fixed-term 3-year institutional research position with opportunities for conference travel and grant proposal writing
- Professionals seeking a balanced work environment with flexible working options on a research campus near Hamburg
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is fixed-term for a duration of 3 years
- Relocation to or near Geesthacht/Hamburg is required as the position is located on the main campus
- Candidates must commit to building and commissioning new customized equipment in addition to pursuing independent research and supervising PhD students
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This postdoctoral position provides an excellent platform for early-career scientists aiming to build an independent research track record in localized electrochemistry, generate high-impact peer-reviewed publications, and acquire external funding. It suits researchers looking to expand their international network within a premier materials science research center.
Our take
This role is ideal for motivated postdoctoral scientists with strong practical skills in SECM and corrosion science who wish to contribute to advanced light metal degradation research. Applicants must ensure they meet the specific electrode fabrication and publication criteria before applying by the November deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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