Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD Position (m/f/d) in the field of Sustainable Polymer Materials and Electrochemical Energy Storage at the Helmholtz Institute for Polymers in Energy Applications Jena (HIPOLE Jena). This doctoral research position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to climate-neutral energy solutions under the academic supervision of Prof. Dr. Hatice Mutlu, working at the forefront of polymer chemistry and green battery technologies.
Position Overview
| Position / Designation | PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | HI 2026/14 |
| Host Institution | HIPOLE Jena (Helmholtz Institute for Polymers in Energy Applications Jena / HZB) |
| Research Area | Sustainable Polymer Chemistry & Electrochemical Energy Storage |
| Location | Jena, Germany |
| Contract Duration | Fixed-term for 36 months (3 years) |
| Remuneration | Public sector collective agreement (TVöD-Bund) |
| Application Deadline | October 31, 2026 |
Designation
PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d)
Research Area
Sustainable Polymer Chemistry, Macromolecular Engineering, Organic Functional Materials, and Circular Electrochemical Energy Storage.
Location
Jena, Thuringia, Germany
Scholarship & Position Description
Achieving global climate-neutrality demands scalable, low-cost, and sustainably manufactured energy materials. Polymeric systems and organic materials play a foundational role in next-generation battery architectures and circular storage solutions.
The successful doctoral candidate will focus on the design and synthesis of sustainable organic and polymeric functional materials for electrochemical energy storage. Emphasis is placed on controlled macromolecular architectures, establishing clear structure-property-function relationships, and incorporating circularity, resource efficiency, and recyclability into materials development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Synthesize and develop novel organic and macromolecular materials tailored for electrochemical energy storage.
- Optimize and introduce advanced polymerization and chemical synthesis methods to fine-tune material performance and structure.
- Conduct detailed structural, thermal, spectroscopic, and chromatographic characterizations.
- Evaluate electrochemical properties and test formulated materials in practical energy-storage setups (e.g., battery test cells).
- Formulate structure-property-performance concepts supporting circular economy principles.
Benefits & Compensation:
- Employment contract funded according to the German Collective Agreement for the Public Sector (TVöD-Bund) for 36 months.
- Enrolment and participation in the integrated graduate program of the CataLight Collaborative Research Center.
- 30 days of paid annual vacation.
- Subsidized local transport pass (Deutschlandticket/Jobticket) and company pension scheme (VBL).
- Flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and remote work possibilities.
- Access to world-class research infrastructure and career mentorship within the Helmholtz Association.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:
- Education: An excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline.
- Expertise: Substantial theoretical background and practical laboratory experience in organic synthesis and/or polymer chemistry.
- Methodology: Sound understanding of analytical tools used in polymer and materials characterization (e.g., NMR, GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, spectroscopic techniques).
- Electrochemistry Interest: Strong motivation or prior practical experience in electrochemistry and battery assembly/testing is considered an asset.
- Language Skills: Excellent spoken and written English communication abilities.
- Personal Attributes: High degree of initiative, reliability, strong problem-solving capabilities, and enthusiasm for working in an international, multidisciplinary environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application documents exclusively via the HIPOLE Jena / HZB online application management portal. Due to legal data privacy regulations (GDPR), applications sent via email or postal mail cannot be processed.
Applicants should prepare and upload a complete CV, cover letter outlining research interests, academic transcripts/certificates, and contact details of academic referees.
Last Date for Apply
October 31, 2026
Apply Link
Click Here to Apply Online at the Official HIPOLE Jena Portal
