Postdoctoral Researcher in Localized Electrochemistry (SECM) at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Germany

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon is inviting applications for a 3-year position as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Localized Electrochemistry (SECM) for Unraveling Degradation of Light Metals. The researcher will join the Department of Electrochemistry and Big Data within the Institute of Surface Science to explore degradation mechanisms of light metals applied in structural components, medical devices, and aqueous batteries.

Overview & Key Details

Job Description

At the Department of Electrochemistry and Big Data, researchers study degradation pathways of light metals across various applications. Because degradation is predominantly governed by interface phenomena, localized electrochemical methods provide critical insights into electrochemical degradation mechanisms by measuring species generated or consumed at the metal/electrolyte interface.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting up and commissioning a new customized SECM/SECCM system, as well as managing the established SVET/SIET localized electrochemistry facility.
• Designing, fabricating, and characterizing micro- and nano-electrodes tailored for localized electrochemical experiments.
• Investigating metal degradation in diverse electrolyte systems ranging from model solutions to complex, physiologically relevant media.
• Combining commercial and custom-built amperometric and potentiometric micro-probes and micro-optodes to differentiate anodic and cathodic pathways.
• Correlating electrochemical measurements with surface morphology and chemistry.
• Publishing scientific findings in leading peer-reviewed journals, presenting at international conferences, and writing project reports.
• Connecting localized electrochemistry instruments to an electronic lab notebook and integrating FAIR data management practices.
• Co-supervising PhD candidates and contributing to external grant proposal writing.

Eligibility & Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Education: A completed PhD in Electrochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Technical Expertise: Hands-on experience with Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM), demonstrated through first-author peer-reviewed publications. Experience with Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM) is considered a strong plus.
• Practical Skills: Demonstrated experience in fabricating micro- or nano-electrodes for SECM/SECCM, alongside solid chemical laboratory skills and quantitative data analysis capabilities.
• Domain Knowledge: Background in corrosion or degradation of metallic materials, particularly light metals (prior experience with biodegradable metals or medical devices is advantageous).
• Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is required; knowledge of German is welcomed but not mandatory.

What Is Offered

• Access to modern robotic laboratories, analytical facilities, and cutting-edge research infrastructure.
• Remuneration and comprehensive social benefits according to the federal public service collective agreement (up to EG 13).
• 30 days of annual leave (6 weeks), with additional company holidays between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Flexible working arrangements and options for mobile work to support work-life balance.
• Campus located by the Elbe River near Hamburg with public transport links and public transit ticket subsidies (Deutschlandticket).
• International Welcome Office with guest accommodations, childcare support, and operational health management.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their application via the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon official career portal. For specific content-related inquiries regarding the post, please contact Dr. Sviatlana Lamaka at Sviatlana.Lamaka@hereon.de.

Important Links & Dates

• Last Date for Apply: November 25, 2026
• Apply Link: Apply Online at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon