Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT); Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen; Vor Ort; EUR 52.000 - 66.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Science for Impact

Flexible working hours

Career development

Zusammenfassung

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) invites applications for a research role exploring how fast, turbulent lead flows influence material corrosion. The project uses the CORELLA 2 facility at KIT-IHM to study parameters like flow velocity, angle of attack, and exposure time, contributing to an industrial collaboration with a nuclear lead-cooled reactor partner.

Responsibilities include developing materials for high-flow conditions, conducting cross-site reports in France and Italy, and

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in materials science/engineering/physics or related field plus PhD.
• Excellent written and spoken English; German/French helpful.
• Interest in experimental and theoretical problems in materials science, corrosion, flow simulation.

Aufgaben

• Develop materials for fast-flowing conditions at KIT with IHM expert support.
• Travel to partner sites in France and Italy for progress reports and follow-ups.
• Plan, perform, and evaluate experiments using SEM/EDX/EBSD and surface profilometry.
• Investigate shear stress evolution vs. liquid metal velocity and impact angle using RANS simulations.

Kenntnisse

Python

English proficiency

Teamwork

Ausbildung

MSc + PhD

Tools

COMSOL

ABAQUS

SEM/EDX/EBSD

Jobbeschreibung

Your Tasks

We are seeking applicants (f/m/d) for work in the field of investigating the influence of fast, turbulent lead flows on the corrosion behavior of materials. Various materials will be tested in the CORELLA 2 facility, developed and available at KIT-IHM. The research objective is to evaluate the influence of key parameters such as flow velocity, angle of attack, and exposure time on the observed erosion phenomena. This work is part of an industrial project. Our industrial partner is developing advanced nuclear lead-cooled reactors.

Your Tasks

We are seeking applicants (f/m/d) for work in the field of investigating the influence of fast, turbulent lead flows on the corrosion behavior of materials. Various materials will be tested in the CORELLA 2 facility, developed and available at KIT-IHM. The research objective is to evaluate the influence of key parameters such as flow velocity, angle of attack, and exposure time on the observed erosion phenomena. This work is part of an industrial project. Our industrial partner is developing advanced nuclear lead-cooled reactors.

Your Specific Responsibilities Are As Follows

• Development of suitable materials, particularly for fast-flowing conditions. The work will be carried out primarily at KIT with the support of IHM experts.
• Travel to the industrial partner in France and Italy for progress reports and, if necessary, for specific follow-up investigations of the exposed materials
• Preparation, conduction and evaluation of experiments using SEM, EDX, EBSD, surface profilometry and other methods
• Investigation of the evolution of shear stress as a function of liquid metal velocity and impact angle using RANS simulations to support the modeling of the erosion process

Your Profile

• You hold a master’s degree in materials science, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a comparable field, along with a completed doctoral degree.
• You are creative, motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Initial experience in the field of corrosion analysis and electron microscopy is a advantageous, as is knowledge of Python and FEM software such as COMSOL and ABAQUS.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills are required; good knowledge of German and French is beneficial.
• You should have a strong interest in experimental and theoretical problems in the fields of materials science, corrosion, design and flow simulation.

We Offer

• Science for Impact : Engage with topics of societal relevance—in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Flexible Working Hours : Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.
• Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities : We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
• Family-friendliness : The “KIT‑Family+” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent‑child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
• Stay Healthy : Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well‑being through fitness classes and mental‑health programmes.
• Individualised Extra Benefits : Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicketBW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.

Job location

Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (and Karlsruhe)

Salary

Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contract duration

18 months

Contact person in line-management

Prof. Dr. Georg Müller

[e-mail]

[phone]

If you have general questions about the application process, please contact

Patrick Dolzinski

Personalservice (PSE)

[e-mail]

[phone]

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.

Application up to: 2026-09-13

Job posting number: 360/2026