Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
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Postdoctoral Researcher in Localized Electrochemistry and SECM/SECCM for Light-Metal Degradation Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon in Germany
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Three-year, full-time fixed-term position (39 hours per week), with remuneration up to EG 13 under the German public-service collective agreement. The offer includes funding for conferences, summer schools, courses, or research stays, plus social benefits, six weeks of annual holiday, and additional employee benefits. Tuition or student-stipend funding is not specified.
Deadline
Nov 25, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
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About this position
Postdoctoral Researcher in Localized Electrochemistry and SECM/SECCM
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a three-year project on localized electrochemical analysis of light-metal degradation. The position is based at the Institute of Surface Science and the Department of Electrochemistry and Big Data at Hereon’s main campus in Geesthacht, Germany, near Hamburg.
The research will investigate degradation pathways of light metals used in structural applications, medical devices, biodegradable implants, and aqueous batteries. The successful candidate will use scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), SVET, and SIET to study interface reactions in model and physiologically relevant electrolytes. Work will include fabricating and characterizing micro- and nanoelectrodes, separating anodic and cathodic degradation pathways, and correlating electrochemical data with surface chemistry and morphology.
Responsibilities include commissioning a customized SECM/SECCM system, managing localized-electrochemistry facilities, contributing to collaborative projects, developing independent research ideas, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, supporting FAIR data management, co-supervising PhD students, and contributing to grant proposals.
Applicants need a PhD in electrochemistry, physical chemistry, materials science, or a related field, hands-on SECM experience supported by first-author publications, and experience fabricating micro- or nanoelectrodes. Knowledge of metallic corrosion or degradation, particularly of light metals, is expected. SECCM, biodegradable-metal, and metallic-medical-device experience are advantageous. Fluent English is required; German is desirable but not mandatory.
The full-time fixed-term role starts as soon as possible, with the listing indicating 29 October 2026 as a starting date. Remuneration is up to EG 13 under the German public-service agreement, with conference and research-stay support, social benefits, six weeks of holiday, flexible-work options, and access to advanced research infrastructure. Applications comprising a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and certificates should reference job ID 1082 – 2026/MO 5 and be submitted by 25 November 2026.
Funding details
Three-year, full-time fixed-term position (39 hours per week), with remuneration up to EG 13 under the German public-service collective agreement. The offer includes funding for conferences, summer schools, courses, or research stays, plus social benefits, six weeks of annual holiday, and additional employee benefits. Tuition or student-stipend funding is not specified.
What's required
A PhD in electrochemistry, physical chemistry, materials science, or a related field is required. Applicants should have hands-on experience with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), demonstrated through first-author publications; SECCM experience is a strong advantage. Experience fabricating micro- or nanoelectrodes for SECM/SECCM, solid chemical laboratory skills, and confidence in quantitative data analysis using appropriate software are required. Experience with degradation or corrosion of metallic materials, especially light metals, is expected; experience with biodegradable metals or metallic medical devices is advantageous. Fluent written and spoken English is required. German is preferred but not mandatory.
How to apply
Submit a comprehensive application including a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and certificates through the Hereon online application portal. Include reference number 1082 – 2026/MO 5 and apply by 25 November 2026.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.