For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:
Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 3 years | Start: 01.05.2026 | ID: FSDO004/2026 | Deadline: 31.03.2026 | Part-time
DESY, with more than 2900 employees at its two locations in Hamburg and Zeuthen, is one of the world's leading research centres. Its research focuses on decoding the structure and function of matter, from the smallest particles of the universe to the building blocks of life. In this way, DESY contributes to solving the major questions and urgent challenges facing science, society and industry. With its ultramodern research infrastructure, its interdisciplinary research platforms and its international networks, DESY offers a highly attractive working environment in the fields of science, technology and administration as well as for the education of highly qualified young scientists.
Are you an early-career researcher with fresh ideas and a global mindset? We welcome diverse perspectives, especially from women in science and international talents to help shape the next generation of sustainable, water-driven materials. Our mission is to create interactive, sustainable, and intelligent material systems that either unfold their unique functionality in aqueous environments or derive their properties directly from nature's most powerful resource: Water. BlueMat brings together four Research Areas: mechanical, fluid transport, photonic, and energy materials, supported by four Cross Areas dedicated to imaging, modeling, data, and exploitation. Together, they form a vibrant interdisciplinary research ecosystem. We are seeking a PhD student in the research area D - Energy Materials - sustainable aqueous batteries, hydrovoltaic energy harvesting, and advanced catalysis. The focus of this PhD project located at the DESY NanoLab will be the structural and compositional evolution of electrocatalytically active nanoparticles such as Pt and Ir02 under oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction conditions.
- Preparation of Pt and Ir02 nanoparticle model systems
- Electrocatalytic investigation of Pt and Ir02 nanoparticle-based systems
- Operando characterization by surface sensitive X-ray diffraction at synchrotron radiation
- In-situ characterization by Infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry
- Collaborate closely with BlueMat partners
- Share your findings through publications and engage with the research community and public
Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours and variable part-time. You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.
Limited: 3 years
- Completed scientific university studies (Master), in physics, chemistry or materials science
- Experience with electrochemistry / electrocatalysis
- Experience with X-ray diffraction and synchrotron radiation
- Experience with surface or nanoparticle characterization
- Experience with catalysis and nanoscience would be an advantage
- Curiosity and teamwork skills for working in interdisciplinary teams
- Very good written and spoken English skills (minimum B2)
For further information please contact Andreas Stierle at +49 40 8998-2005 (andreas.stierle@desy.de).
DESY in Hamburg does not grant doctoral degrees directly but collaborates with the University of Hamburg. Candidates for thesis research will have to satisfy the terms of admission for doctoral theses of the University of Hamburg. PhD students receive a monthly salary of 67% of the payment of the remuneration group 13 TVöD (Federal Government).
Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and two letters of references) via our application portal. Please use our online tool for the submission of the letters of reference:Additional application documents
We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:
Apply now
DESY promotes equal opportunities and diversity. The professional development of women is very important to us and therefore we strongly encourage women to apply for the vacant position. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de).
You can find further information here:
https://www.desy.de/career/
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Personalabteilung
Notkestraße 85
22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392
Deadline for applications: 01.04.2026
