3 Postdoctoral Positions, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Germany (2019)

The Institute of Polymer Research develops materials and processes for novel polymer membranes for gas and liquid phase separation. In our research, we combine experiments with digital models with the goal of accelerating membrane design and process improvement.

In order to enlarge our modelling and simulation activities we invite applications for three Postdoc positions (m/f/d) with a focus on the development of computational models (digital twins) for three different tasks within our institute. Preferred starting date of these job positions is October 1st, 2019 and they are initially limited for two years.

1) Development of a molecular model to design novel monomers and polymers for the membrane development, which allows predicting of physical and chemical properties of the polymers and polymer membranes, should provide further insight into the separation process. You will establish a properties database and validate your model with experimental results.

2) Development of computational models for upscaling the process of polymer synthesis via continuous flow and/or batch reactors. This includes the development of a multiphysics model describing the fluid flow, mixing and heat exchange in continuous flow micro reactors. A further model describing the polymerisation process for polymer synthesis with the use of continuous flow and/or batch reactors is to be developed. You will validate your models with experimental results.

3) Development of a continuum mechanical model for foaming of a thermoplastic polymer, which additionally takes into account the molecular structure of the polymer and its specific viscoelastic behaviour. The goal is to develop a numerical code of foaming based on this model. You will validate your model by comparing numerical and experimental results.

For all three job positions, we expect your active participation in the publication of the results and presentation on international conferences.

The qualifications essential to fulfill these duties are:
- Ph.D. in natural or engineering sciences with focus on either computational chemistry, computational physics, materials science and engineering or data/computer science
- experience in programming (e.g. C++, Python) combined with sound knowledge in at least one of these fields
molecular modelling (e.g. Materials Studio)
multiphysics simulation (e.g. COMSOL, OpenFOAM)
continuum mechanical simulations or similar software
- knowledge of polymer chemistry, physics, materials science and/or membrane technology
- fluent business language in English or German with a working knowledge of the other; international applicants are expected to work continuously on German language skills

For more information please visit the following link:
3 Postdoctoral Positions, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Germany (2019)