Research Associate - Group Leader (m/f/d)

Institute for

Remuneration EG 14

ID14826WV4

Start of employment 01.11.2026

Application deadline27.07.2026

Scope fulltime and fixed term until 31.10.2029

The Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1615 “SMART Reactors for Future Process Engineering” aims to develop next-generation reactor systems for the sustainable, efficient, and increasingly autonomous conversion of renewable feedstocks into valuable products. Within this framework, we are establishing a Junior Research Group on self-driving laboratories for (bio-)chemical engineering, integrating automated experimentation, high-throughput material and process screening, data-driven modeling, and model-based experimental design with closed-loop data analysis. Its goal is to advance autonomous, iterative, and scalable discovery workflows in which models actively guide experimental decisions under real-world constraints. The position is embedded within the Institute of Process Systems Engineering and closely connected to the Hamburg Center for AI in Material Development (HCAMD), providing access to cutting-edge infrastructure in laboratory automation, robotics, and high-performance computing. The successful candidate will coordinate two PhD researchers working on complementary aspects of self-driving labs, including data-driven experimentation, automation, and modeling. The work will take place in a collaborative environment with close guidance and support from two professors.

The position is advertised as part of the TUHH's women's promotion measures. In the context of equality, we particularly welcome applications from qualified women.

YOUR TASKS

• Development of data- & model-driven methods for experimental design and optimization in chemical engineering and materials systems
• Integration of machine learning with automated lab platforms and data pipelines
• Setup and operation of experimental and automation infrastructure
• Supervision and mentoring of PhD researchers within the group
• Contribution to teaching activities, including the development of courses in scientific computing and data-driven methods

YOUR PROFILE

Requirements

• Completed scientific university studies or completed doctorate in relevant subject Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a closely related field with a strong connection to experimental or process-oriented research
• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a closely related field

Desired knowledge and personal skills

• Curiosity, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to contribute to a collegial, team-oriented research environment
• Strong publication record at the interface of experimental research, modeling, optimization, and machine learning
• Expertise in running lab experiments and performing quantitative analytics and experience with or interest in laboratory automation
• Experience in applied model-based or data-driven optimization of experimental workflows

OUR OFFER

• The opportunity to pursue further academic qualification (e.g., habilitation)
• Leadership of a junior research group within a large, interdisciplinary collaborative research environment
• Close integration with a DFG-funded research center working on future technologies in reactor and process engineering
• Participation in national and international conferences, including options for research stays abroad
• Support in developing your own research agenda and future funding proposals

At the heart of TU Hamburg’s research, teaching and transfer of technology is the guiding principle of developing technology for people. The TU Hamburg sees itself in this context as a family-friendly and sustainable university with high performance and quality standards that strives for excellence in all its research fields. Interdisciplinarity, innovation, regionality and internationality are binding principles in our actions. With currently around 8.000 students, 110 professors and 1.650 employees, the TU Hamburg is characterised by short decision-making processes and close cooperation between the board, the institutes, the deans of studies, the research areas and the administration. We identify ourselves with a modern leadership culture and cultivate appreciative interaction.

For further information please contact Prof. Mirko Skiborowski, Tel.-Nr. +49 40 30601 3041, Email: .

We value diversity, therefore all applications are welcome, regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnic origin, nationality, age, religion and belief, disability, sexual orientation and identity or social background.

The TU Hamburg stands for as well as

Please send your complete application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae in table form, proof of completed training and/or university degree, job references or certificates of employment) via the online application system.

Notice for graduates of foreign educational qualifications:
Please submit proof of all obtained university degrees and, if available, the recognition of your educational qualifications in Germany (e.g. anabin excerpts and/or acknowledgement of previous employers).