Auf einen Blick
- Aufgaben: Join us as a PhD student to innovate sustainable polymer technologies for energy applications.
- Arbeitgeber: HIPOLE Jena is at the forefront of polymer chemistry and energy solutions.
- Mitarbeitervorteile: Enjoy flexible working hours, 30 days paid leave, and health management perks.
- Warum dieser Job: Contribute to a climate-neutral future while collaborating with top international researchers.
- Gewünschte Qualifikationen: A degree in chemistry and strong knowledge of theoretical chemistry/quantum chemistry required.
- Andere Informationen: Diverse and inclusive work environment with a focus on equal opportunities.
Das voraussichtliche Gehalt liegt zwischen 36000 - 60000 € pro Jahr.
Doctoral Student HIPOLE Jena and/or Berlin
Reference no.: HI 2024/17
Achieving climate-neutrality within the next 20 years necessitates an innovation boost for the development of highly efficient, scalable, low-cost, and sustainably produced energy technologies. Polymer materials play a central role in this process.
HIPOLE Jena deeply integrates and expands world-class expertise in polymer chemistry, materials science, high-throughput experimentation and artificial intelligence with complementary expertise in inorganic/hybrid materials, scalable devices, and advanced characterization.
We are looking for a PhD student (m/f/d) for our site in Jena, Germany. You will have the chance to support the newly founded institute with your ideas and expertise from the very beginning and will collaborate with researchers from all over the world to contribute to the development of a climate-friendly future. The research focus should be on the topic of sustainable polymer research with a focus on polymers for energy applications, working on the following thematic area:
- Computer-aided modelling of catalytic processes and screening methods of molecular solar thermal storage (MOST) compounds
- Screening of molecular solar thermal energy storage (MOST) systems such as 2-thiophenylazobenzene derivatives using quantum chemical methods and machine learning tools
- Development of design concepts for the optimisation of MOST systems
- Investigation of the influence of intermolecular interactions on the properties of MOST systems
- Methods: in particular density functional theory, semiempirical methods, wave function-based methods and machine learning are used here
- Summary, presentation and publication of the results
- Close collaboration with experimental and theoretical research groups from Giessen, Erlangen, Tübingen, Frankfurt and Heidelberg
Your Profile
- University degree in chemistry or a comparable course of study
- Very good knowledge of theoretical chemistry/quantum chemistry and/or material modelling
- Experience in working with Linux systems and mainframe computers
- Experience in the field of machine learning is desirable
- Very good knowledge of written and spoken English
You demonstrate a high degree of motivation, initiative and willingness to familiarize yourself with a wide range of tasks and are characterized by your ability to work in a team, reliability, independence and communication skills. You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary, international team in a diverse and dynamic work environment.
Your Benefits at HZB
- International/diversity-sensitive working environment in the science city of Jena
- Opportunity to contribute to the development of novel materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future together with top international researchers
- Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual support and assistance programmes
- Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, part-time, hybrid working
- 30 days paid leave
- Health management, company pension scheme (VBL), subsidy for the Deutschlandticket Job
- Long-term prospects, opportunities for further development/training programmes
- Attractive remuneration through payment in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD-Bund)
Fixed term contract for 48 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).
How to apply
The employment contract as a PhD is limited to 48 months. We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 17.01.2025. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.
We very much want our workplace to be diverse and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.
For the German version, please click on the following link: German Version.
At the newly founded Helmholtz Institute for Polymers in Energy Applications Jena (HIPOLE) in Jena HZB and Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU Jena)/Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena) join forces in the field of energy storage and conversion. Join us and help us achieve our goal! Find out more on our website or the website of the HZB.
CONTACT
Franziska Hein
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Doctoral Student HIPOLE Jena and / or Berlin Arbeitgeber: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH (HZB)

Kontaktperson:
Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH (HZB) HR Team
StudySmarter Bewerbungstipps 🤫
So bekommst du den Job: Doctoral Student HIPOLE Jena and / or Berlin
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in polymer chemistry and energy applications. This will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current research and publications related to molecular solar thermal storage and machine learning applications in chemistry. Being well-versed in these topics can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field through academic conferences or online platforms. Building connections can provide insights into the research environment at HIPOLE and may even lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with Linux systems and any relevant projects involving machine learning. Highlighting your technical skills will show that you are ready to contribute effectively from day one.
Diese Fähigkeiten machen dich zur top Bewerber*in für die Stelle: Doctoral Student HIPOLE Jena and / or Berlin
Tipps für deine Bewerbung 🫡
Understand the Research Focus: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific research areas mentioned in the job description, such as sustainable polymer research and molecular solar thermal storage. Highlight any relevant experience or knowledge in these areas in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to emphasize your university degree in chemistry or related fields, as well as your knowledge of theoretical chemistry and material modeling. Include any experience with Linux systems and machine learning, as these are desirable skills for the position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your motivation, initiative, and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. Mention your communication skills and willingness to tackle a variety of tasks, as these traits are highly valued by the employer.
Follow Application Guidelines: Ensure you submit your application through the specified application management system by the deadline of 17.01.2025. Remember that applications sent via email or mail will not be considered, so double-check that you follow the correct procedure.
Wie du dich auf ein Vorstellungsgespräch bei Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH (HZB) vorbereitest
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainable Research
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for sustainable polymer research and how it aligns with the goals of HIPOLE. Share any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to climate-friendly technologies.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge in theoretical chemistry, quantum chemistry, and material modeling. Highlight any experience you have with density functional theory, semiempirical methods, or machine learning tools, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration Skills
Since the position involves working in an interdisciplinary and international team, emphasize your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past teamwork experiences and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Prepare for Questions on Problem-Solving
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in relation to computer-aided modeling and screening methods. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in your research and how you approached them.