Summary
HIPOLE Jena (Helmholtz Institute for Polymers in Energy Applications Jena), an institute of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) in cooperation with Friedrich Schiller University Jena, is seeking a PhD researcher for a 36-month position. The project focuses on modeling polymeric materials for energy applications—specifically self-healing polymers for sustainable batteries—using computational chemistry, density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics, and machine learning.
PhD Position: Theoretical Chemistry of Energy Polymers at HIPOLE Jena, Germany
Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Position Title | PhD Student (m/f/d) in Theoretical Chemistry of Polymers in Energy Applications |
| Host Institution | HIPOLE Jena / Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) |
| Reference Number | HI 2026/9 |
| Location | Jena, Germany |
| Contract Duration | 36 Months (Fixed-term) |
| Salary / Pay Scale | TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for German Public Service) |
| Application Deadline | August 27, 2026 |
Designation
PhD Student (m/f/d)
Research Area
- Theoretical Chemistry & Materials Modeling
- Polymeric Energy Materials (focusing on self-healing polymers, e.g., conjugated polymers for battery applications)
- Computational Methodologies: Quantum chemical methods (Density Functional Theory), semi-empirical methods, wavefunction-based methods, Molecular Dynamics (MD), and Machine Learning (ML)
Location
HIPOLE Jena
Lessingstrasse 12–14, 07743 Jena, Germany
Eligibility / Qualification
- Academic Degree: Master’s degree in Chemistry or a comparable field of study.
- Subject Knowledge: Proven experience in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, or catalysis.
- Technical Skills: Experience with analytical methods for polymer characterization.
- Language Proficiency: Very good written and spoken English skills.
- Soft Skills: High level of commitment, initiative, problem-solving skills, teamwork, reliability, and independence.
Job Description
- Conduct theoretical investigations of chemical processes in self-healing polymers (e.g., conjugated polymers).
- Elucidate self-healing mechanisms and calculate relevant parameters.
- Develop efficient screening methods to evaluate and optimize self-healing materials for battery technologies.
- Derive structure-property relationships and validate theoretical findings against experimental data.
- Work closely with experimental research groups at HIPOLE Jena.
- Supervise bachelor’s and master’s students.
- Summarize, present, and publish research findings in peer-reviewed English-language publications.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official HIPOLE Jena Application Management System.
Important Note: Due to data protection regulations, applications submitted via email or postal mail cannot be considered.
Last Date for Apply
August 27, 2026
