Computational Chemist Polymer-based Batteries PostDoc HIPOLE Jena (m/f/d)

Computational Chemist Polymer-based Batteries PostDoc HIPOLE Jena (m/f/d)

Reference no.: HI 2025/4

To achieve climate neutrality within the next 20 years, an innovation boost is required for the development of highly efficient, scalable, cost-effective, and sustainably produced energy technologies. Energy storage and conversion materials, particularly sustainable batteries, play a central role in this process.

We are looking for a Computational Chemist PostDoc (m/f/d) for our location in Jena. The postdoctoral position offers a unique opportunity to tackle critical challenges by conducting cutting-edge research in the field of theoretical chemistry. The focus is on the development of new redox-active polymers in close collaboration with experimental partners.

For more information on our thematic focus, please visit Homepage - HIPOLE Jena and www.ceec.uni-jena.de/en.

Your Tasks

1. Screening of redox-active model compounds (e.g., monomers) based on three structural motifs – benzimidazole, benzoxazole, and benzothiazole
2. Investigation of possible decomposition mechanisms of the core structures
3. Development of design concepts
4. Examination of the influence of counterions on redox potentials
5. Calculation of short polymer chains
6. Methods: Density Functional Theory (DFT), semi-empirical methods, molecular dynamics, and machine learning are applied
7. Results will be documented, analyzed, and subsequently published
8. Close collaboration with the experimental research group Schubert
9. Supervision of bachelor's/master's students and PhD candidates
10. Summary, presentation, and publication of results in English

Your Profile

1. Completed academic degree in Chemistry or Materials Science
2. PhD (or near completion) in Theoretical Chemistry / Quantum Chemistry or Materials Modeling
3. Extensive knowledge in the fields of Theoretical Chemistry / Quantum Chemistry
4. Experience with Linux systems and high-performance computing
5. Experience in machine learning is desirable
6. Excellent English proficiency in both written and spoken communication
7. Strong publication record
8. Experience in presenting scientific content in English

Your Benefits

• An international and diversity-sensitive work environment at a Helmholtz Institute in the science city of Jena
• Opportunity to collaborate with leading international researchers and contribute to the development of novel materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual support programs
• Good work-life balance with flexible working hours (flexitime, part-time options)
• 30 days of vacation
• Health management, and occupational pension scheme (VBL)
• Subsidy for the Germany Ticket and job ticket
• Long-term prospects, opportunities for professional development, and training programs
• Compensation according to the collective agreement for public service employees (TVöD Bund)

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 23.06.2025. 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 the German version, please click on the following link: German Version.

➜ APPLY HERE

Job opportunities at HZB

At the newly founded Helmholtz Institute for Polymers in Energy Applications Jena (HIPOLE) in Jena, HZB and Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU Jena)/Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena) join forces in the field of energy storage and conversion. Join us and help us achieve our goal! Find out more on our website or the website of the HZB.

Climate change poses serious challenges to the whole world. At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), we are researching materials for a climate-neutral future. 1,400 employees from all over the world work together to achieve this goal at the site in Berlin.