PhD student

For the Institute of Surface Science, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, we are looking for a PhD student for 1

May 2026. The position is full-time and fixed-term until 30

April 2029.

The main objective of this project is to develop and validate a lab scale sustainable Mg-air battery system, utilizing thin layer of aqueous electrolyte, for high power performance.

This PhD is not purely academic, it involves practical research work, including lab experimentation, working with CAD models, and performing battery tests. You'll be part of a cross-disciplinary program aiming to design and validate next-generation battery cells with aqueous electrolyte.

Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position.

• the discovery of new electrolyte additives to enhance the performance of Mg-air aqueous batteries
• investigate the role of electrolyte additives on the anode and cathode performance
• design and validate battery cell
• collaborate closely with industrial partners

Got questions before applying? Contact Prof. Mikhail Zheludkevich (mi), Dr. Sviatlana Lamaka () or Dr. Darya Snihirova ().

Your profile

Recruitment requirement

• completed university studies and a master's degree in the subject areas of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, electrochemistry or similar

Required knowledge and personal skills

• experience with electrochemical cells
• ability to design and build test hardware (fixtures, flow fields, GDLs)
• laboratory experience and familiarity with materials characterization techniques
• strong analytical skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
• structured approach to experiment design and documentation very good English is required (at least B2/C1 level according to CEFR) – German is not mandatory

Desired knowledge and personal skills

• familiarity with lightweight energy systems, batteries with aqueous electrolyte
• motivated to contribute to cutting‑edge battery research with real‑world impact

We offer you

• an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
• individual opportunities for further training
• social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to pay group 13 according to TV EntgO Bund
• an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
• 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
• very good compatibility private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
• PhD Buddy Program
• family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e. g. nursery close to the company
• free assistance program for employees (EAP)
• a varied offer in the canteen on campus
• access to state‑of‑the‑art electrochemistry lab
• collaboration with industrial partners, combining industry and academia
• opportunities to publish, patent and contribute to a real product design

Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.

Interested? We are looking forward to receiving your application.

Information at a Glance

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon conducts cutting‑edge international research for a changing world:
Around 1,000 employees contribute to the tackling of climate change, the sustainable use of the world's coastal systems and the resource‑compatible enhancement of the quality of life. From fundamental research to practical applications, the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.

The Institute of Surface Science specializes in the development of corrosion protection concepts and functional coatings that meet the requirements of future applications from the fields of structural lightweight construction, energy research and medical technology. The experimental development is closely accompanied by modelling approaches and artificial intelligence methods.

Max-Planck-Straße 1
21502 Geesthacht