HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM HEREON, INSTITUTE OF HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon PhD Position in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering
full · phd
- Pay Group 13 TV EntgO BundSalary scale
- ~EUR 50,000 / year (est.)Gross salary (full-time equivalent)
- 6 weeksPaid vacation per year
- Reference 2025/WT 1Position reference code
- PhDDegree level funded
- GermanyWhere you study (Geesthacht, near Hamburg)
At a glance
full
Funding
€55k
Max amount
May 11, 2027
Deadline
Open to international applicants
Country
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Hydrogen Technology
Provider
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon PhD position in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering is a salaried, fully funded doctoral post at the Institute of Hydrogen Technology in Geesthacht, near Hamburg, Germany. The research focuses on advanced magnesium (Mg) alloys for lightweight materials and hydrogen storage, including the atomic-scale mechanisms behind the strength and ductility of Mg-rare-earth alloys, advanced microstructural characterisation (EBSD, EDX, SAXS and TEM), ex situ and in situ nanoindentation, and the development of digital twins and rare-earth-free Mg alloy systems. The position is paid up to Pay Group 13 of the German TV EntgO Bund public-sector scale and includes 6 weeks of paid vacation per year, a PhD Buddy peer-support programme, flexible and family-friendly working hours, an employee assistance programme and access to state-of-the-art laboratories. Hereon is one of Germany's national research centres within the Helmholtz Association, which operates 18 centres nationwide. Applicants need a Master's in materials science, mechanical engineering or a related field. Pay-scale rates and the exact closing time are set each cycle, so confirm the current-cycle salary and deadline on the official Hereon careers page before you apply.
What's covered
- Salary — A competitive PhD salary up to Pay Group 13 of the TV EntgO Bund scale, equivalent to roughly EUR 50,000 (est.) gross per year at full-time, with social-security and pension contributions.
- Paid vacation — 6 weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave under German public-sector terms.
- Laboratory and research access — Access to state-of-the-art characterisation and testing facilities including EBSD, EDX, SAXS, TEM and nanoindentation equipment, with an estimated annual research budget of around EUR 3,000 (est.) for consumables and travel.
- Career development — Structured training, further-education opportunities and a PhD Buddy peer-support programme.
- Work-life and family support — Flexible working hours, family-friendly policies, an employee assistance programme (EAP) and corporate benefits.
- Campus amenities — Diverse on-campus canteen options and membership of a dynamic international research community.
How to apply
Applications are submitted to Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon for the advertised PhD vacancy, quoting the reference code, with documents sent through the official careers channel.
- Review the vacancy — Find the Mg-alloys PhD vacancy (reference 2025/WT 1) on the official Hereon careers page and confirm you meet the Master's degree and metallurgy requirements.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble a cover letter, CV, and academic transcripts and certificates, ensuring the reference code is quoted.
- Submit your application — Send your application through the official Hereon application channel (online portal or the recruitment email bewerbung@hereon.de) before the deadline.
- Confirm receipt and respond — Respond to any follow-up requests from the recruitment team and provide additional materials if asked.
- Attend an interview if shortlisted — Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview (often online) with the supervising group before an offer is made.
Eligibility
Academic qualificationA Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
Subject knowledgeStrong knowledge of metallurgy, slip/twinning mechanisms and the mechanical behaviour of metals.
Desirable experienceExperience with magnesium (Mg) alloys, micro-compression or SEM techniques is an advantage.
SkillsExcellent problem-solving ability and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
Working styleComfort working within an international, multi-disciplinary research community.
Quote reference code 2025/WT 1 in your application. Hereon promotes equal opportunity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.
Eligible countries
Open to international applicants
Deadlines
2026/2027 entry~11 May 2026 (est.)
Selection
Candidates are assessed on their academic record, knowledge of metallurgy and the mechanical behaviour of metals, relevant hands-on experience with Mg alloys or microstructural characterisation, and overall fit with the Institute of Hydrogen Technology's research goals. Shortlisted applicants are normally interviewed by the supervising scientists before an appointment under German public-sector hiring rules.
Verified sources
- Career - Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereonhereon.deofficial
- Institute of Hydrogen Technology - Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereonhereon.deofficial
About the provider
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon is one of Germany's national research centres within the Helmholtz Association, based in Geesthacht near Hamburg. It addresses global challenges such as climate change and the energy transition, and its Institute of Hydrogen Technology works on hydrogen production, transport and storage and on advanced materials for sustainable energy.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the Hereon PhD position?
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International applicants with a Master's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering or a related field, and strong knowledge of metallurgy and the mechanical behaviour of metals.
Is this a scholarship or a paid job?
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It is a salaried PhD position. You are employed under the German TV EntgO Bund public-sector scale, up to Pay Group 13, with social-security and pension contributions.
What is the research focus?
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Advanced magnesium (Mg) alloys for lightweight materials and hydrogen storage, including atomic-scale strength and ductility mechanisms, microstructural characterisation and digital twins.
How much is the salary?
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Up to Pay Group 13 TV EntgO Bund, roughly EUR 50,000 (est.) gross per year at full-time. Confirm the exact rate on the official Hereon careers page.
How much paid vacation is there?
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6 weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year under German public-sector terms.
Where is the position based?
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At the Institute of Hydrogen Technology in Geesthacht, near Hamburg, in northern Germany.
Is prior Mg-alloy experience required?
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No, but experience with Mg alloys, micro-compression or SEM techniques is considered an advantage.
What support is offered to PhD candidates?
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Career development and training, a PhD Buddy peer-support programme, flexible and family-friendly hours, an employee assistance programme and corporate benefits.
What reference code should I quote?
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Quote reference code 2025/WT 1 in your application materials.
How do I apply?
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Through the official Hereon application channel (online portal or the recruitment email bewerbung@hereon.de), submitting a cover letter, CV and transcripts with the reference code.
Will there be an interview?
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Usually. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview, often online, with the supervising group.
What is the application deadline?
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Around 11 May 2026 (est.). Confirm the exact closing date on the official Hereon careers page.