The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) invites applications for a Postdoc (f/m/d) position focused on the Analysis of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (sCO2) Fluid Properties: Experimental Characterization, Numerical Modeling, and Sensor Development. Based within the Department of Thermal Energy and Process Technology at the Institute of Fluid Dynamics, this full-time role aims to advance sustainable energy conversion technologies and thermo-fluid processes.
Job Overview
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc f/m/d) |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Fluid Properties, Thermo-Fluid Dynamics, Thermal Energy and Process Technology |
| Institution | Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) – Institute of Fluid Dynamics |
| Location | Dresden-Rossendorf, Saxony, Germany |
| Contract Type | Full-time; Fixed-term (1 January 2027 – 31 December 2029) |
| Remuneration | TVöD-Bund (Salary Group 13, subject to qualifications) |
| Application Deadline | 6 November 2026 |
Job Description & Core Responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to basic and applied research on supercritical carbon dioxide systems for energy efficiency and sustainable process engineering. Key responsibilities include:
- Evaluating sources of impurities and breakdown products in sCO2 Brayton cycles across various applications, operating temperatures, and operational durations.
- Characterizing the fluid properties of supercritical and subcritical CO2 (with and without impurities) through in-situ monitoring in running cycles and external laboratory measurement devices.
- Formulating, validating, and implementing steady-state and dynamic fluid property models.
- Designing, developing, and assessing measurement techniques and sensor systems for cycle safety, control, and fluid purification.
- Providing system design and control recommendations to support broader industrial adoption and robust operation of sCO2 power and heat cycles.
- Mentoring PhD students and assisting in the preparation of competitive grant proposals.
- Disseminating research results through high-impact peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentations at international conferences.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:
- Education: Completed doctorate (PhD) in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
- Subject Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, and chemical process engineering.
- Experimental Background: Demonstrated hands-on experience with experimental measurement instrumentation and techniques in the thermo-fluid sciences.
- Numerical Aptitude: Willingness and capability to perform both numerical modeling tasks and laboratory experimental work.
- Computational Skills: Strong programming proficiency in MATLAB, SIMULINK, Python, or standard process simulation platforms.
- Soft Skills: High degree of self-motivation, independence, and strong interpersonal and collaborative abilities within an interdisciplinary, international research environment.
- Language: Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English.
What HZDR Offers
- A modern, collaborative, and internationally recognized research environment.
- Remuneration and comprehensive social benefits according to the Collective Agreement for the German Public Sector (TVöD-Bund, up to Entgeltgruppe 13).
- 30 days of paid annual leave along with company pension scheme benefits (VBL).
- Flexible working arrangements, support for work-life balance, and mobile working options.
- Targeted professional development, career networking, and occupational health management programs.
- Subsidized regional public transportation (Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their complete application package through HZDR’s central online portal. Please prepare the following documents in PDF format:
- Cover letter detailing your research interest and relevant experience
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a full publication list
- Copies of degree certificates, diplomas, and official academic transcripts
- Contact details for academic references
For scientific or administrative inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Riley Bradley Barta
Phone: +49 351 260 3779
Job-ID: 2026/126 (2306)
Application Links & Deadline
Last Date for Apply: 6 November 2026
Apply Online (English Application Portal) |
Apply Online (German Application Portal)
