Summary
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) is seeking a motivated researcher to join the Department of Structural Materials within the Institute of Resource Ecology. This role focuses on advancing small specimen techniques and mechanical testing for nuclear materials research. The successful candidate will work on evaluating irradiation-induced property changes in operating installations and screening new alloy concepts for advanced reactor systems.
Postdoc Opportunity: Nuclear Materials Assessment at HZDR, Germany
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)
Key Details Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) |
| Organization Unit | Institute of Resource Ecology |
| Job ID | 2026/100 (2273) |
| Working Hours | Full Time |
| Hire Date | 1 November 2026 |
| Contract Limitation | 31 August 2029 |
| Salary Group | Up to TVöD-Bund 13 (depending on qualifications) |
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Research Area
Nuclear Structural Materials, Mechanical Characterization, Fracture Mechanics, Small Specimen Techniques, and Advanced Reactor Systems (including fusion).
Location
Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany (Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden)
Eligibility/Qualification
- Completed PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Materials Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong background in the mechanical behavior and fracture mechanics of metallic materials.
- Familiarity with scientific data analysis environments and programming skills in Python and/or C/C++.
- Sound knowledge of quantitative data analysis and statistical methods.
- Excellent written and spoken English (German is considered an advantage).
- Highly Advantageous Experience:
- Finite element modeling (especially in mechanical testing or local fracture approaches).
- Practical mechanical testing (fracture mechanics and/or small specimen techniques).
- Knowledge of nuclear structural materials.
- Fractographic or microstructural characterization.
- Data-driven methods or machine learning.
- Independent, structured, solution-oriented, with strong communication skills and the ability to work in international research consortia.
Job Description
- Coordinate and provide scientific oversight for mechanical testing programs on nuclear structural materials (including fracture mechanics characterization, small specimen testing, and tensile testing) within collaborative projects.
- Critically assess and further develop small specimen methods to ensure reliability and transferability to standard fracture mechanics parameters.
- Systematically correlate fractographic observations with microstructural features and macromechanical test results.
- Conduct finite element simulations of mechanical tests (e.g., stress analysis at fracture initiation sites).
- Document, analyze, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application documents, including a cover letter, CV, and diplomas/transcripts, through the HZDR online application system.
- Application Portal: English Application / German Application
- Contact for Questions: Dr. Cornelia Kaden (Tel.: +49 351 260 3431) or Team Recruiting at jobs@hzdr.de.
Last Date for Apply
21 August 2026
