Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Localized Electrochemistry (SECM) for Unraveling Degradation of Light Metals at the Institute of Surface Science, Department of Electrochemistry and Big Data. This 3-year, full-time position focuses on analyzing metal degradation mechanisms at the interface level using advanced scanning probe electrochemical techniques.
Position Overview
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher (Job ID: 1082) |
| Research Area | Localized Electrochemistry, SECM/SECCM, Light Metal Degradation & Corrosion Science |
| Location | Geesthacht (near Hamburg), Germany |
| Contract Type | Full-time (39 hours/week), fixed-term for 3 years |
| Remuneration | Up to EG 13 (TVöD / EntgO Bund) |
| Application Deadline | November 25, 2026 |
About the Research Area
At the Department of Electrochemistry and Big Data, researchers investigate degradation pathways of light metals used in structural components, aqueous batteries, and biodegradable medical implants. Since degradation is governed by interface reactions, localized electrochemical techniques such as Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) and Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM) offer crucial insights into reaction mechanisms by measuring species generated or consumed at the metal/electrolyte interface.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
- Set up and commission a new customized SECM/SECCM system and manage the established SVET/SIET localized electrochemistry facility.
- Design, fabricate, and characterize micro- and nano-electrodes tailored to experimental needs.
- Investigate light metal degradation mechanisms across simple model solutions to complex, physiologically relevant media.
- Combine commercial and custom-built amperometric/potentiometric micro-probes and micro-optodes to differentiate anodic and cathodic pathways.
- Correlate localized electrochemical findings with surface chemistry and morphological data.
- Integrate localized electrochemistry instruments into electronic lab notebooks (ELN) while establishing FAIR data principles.
- Publish scientific findings in leading peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
- Co-supervise PhD students and actively contribute to grant writing and external funding acquisition.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education: Ph.D. in Electrochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Technical Expertise: Proven hands-on experience in SECM (experience with SECCM is a strong plus), supported by first-author publications.
- Fabrication Skills: Demonstrated experience in fabricating micro- or nano-electrodes for SECM/SECCM setups.
- Laboratory & Analytical Skills: Strong experimental skills in wet-chemical environments and proficiency in quantitative data analysis.
- Material Knowledge: Solid understanding of corrosion and degradation processes in metallic materials, especially light metals (biodegradable metals or medical devices is an advantage).
- Languages: Fluent in written and spoken English. Knowledge of German is beneficial but not mandatory.
What We Offer
- Access to modern robotic laboratories, cutting-edge instrumentation, and international research networks.
- Dedicated funding for conferences, specialized training, and research stays.
- 30 days of annual leave (6 weeks) plus company holidays between Christmas and New Year.
- Comprehensive social benefits under the German public service collective agreement (remuneration up to EG 13).
- Flexible work arrangements and options for mobile working.
- Family-friendly support, on-campus childcare facilities, and employee assistance programs.
- Subsidized public transit (Deutschlandticket) and convenient connections to Hamburg.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application online through the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon career portal. For content-related enquiries, you may contact Dr. Sviatlana Lamaka at Sviatlana.Lamaka@hereon.de.
Application Deadline: November 25, 2026
