Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) Self-Driving Lab for the Discovery of Novel Catalyst Materials

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) Self-Driving Lab for the Discovery of Novel Catalyst Materials

Reference No.: SE 2026/8

At the Competence Centre Thin-Film- and Nanotechnology for Photovoltaics Berlin (PVcomB) of the HZB, photovoltaic and catalytic technologies, materials, and products for the energy transition are being developed in collaboration with partners from research and industry. ASCEND is an innovation project driving the transition to sustainable chemical processes in order to achieve the global goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. At its core, the project advances catalyst development through digital catalysis by integrating AI, simulations, autonomous laboratories, and high-performance thin-film catalysts. As part of this project, a self-driving lab for materials discovery is being established at the HZB in collaboration with industry partners.

Your Tasks

• Planning, setup, and commissioning of an inert sample transfer system between high-throughput synthesis using PECVD and PVD processes, combined with XRD/XRF analysis at a MetalJet source
• Development of automated data processing and analysis in collaboration with project partners within the framework of a self-driving lab
• AI-assisted execution of combinatorial material screening via XRD mapping on 2D sample systems and phase identification in complex material systems
• Data processing and drafting of manuscripts for scientific publications
• Presentation and discussion of research results at national and international conferences and symposia

Your Profile

• Completed university degree and doctorate in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Proficiency in laboratory and measurement technology, particularly hardware, software, and automation technology
• Ideally, experience with the requirements of a self-driving lab
• Experience with CAD software and Python programming
• Experience in the physical characterization of materials (e.g., SEM/TEM, UV-Vis, Raman etc.), particularly XRD and XRF
• Advanced skills in interpreting and presenting scientific results
• Strong communication skills and experience in project management and reporting
• English skills at C1 level

Your Benefits

At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, you will benefit from state-of-the-art research facilities, and a wide range of benefits to support your scientific career:

• The opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities, individual guidance, and support through our Graduate Center and Postdoc Office
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work remotely
• 30 days of vacation per year and attractive renumeration according to the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund), plus company pension plan
• Relocation support from non-EU countries
• German and English courses for all proficiency levels
• Advisory services through our Office for Work & Life
• Subsidy for the public transport “Deutschlandticket Job” and exclusive employee discounts

Fixed term contract for 24 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 12.07.2026. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by any 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.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH
Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin
www.helmholtz-berlin.de

➜ APPLY HERE!

Climate change poses serious challenges to the whole world.
At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, we are researching materials for a climate-neutral future. 1400 employees from all over the world are working together at HZB towards this goal. Join us, and help us achieve it!
Learn more about HZB on our website.

CONTACT

Dr. Daniel Amkreutz
0308061-15487
daniel.amkreutz@helmholtz-berlin.de
Dr. Roland Mainz
0308062-15149
roland.mainz@helmholtz-berlin.de

IMPRINT & DATA PROTECTION