Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

Vacancy-ID:  3979 
Place of work:  Ulm 
Starting date:  01.04.2026 
Career level:  Doctorate 
Type of employment:  Part time; Full-time 
Duration of contract:  3 Jahre 
Remuneration:  Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector – Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

Short Description of Institute/Facility –  At the Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics we develop the energy storage systems of today and tomorrow. As part of the Helmholtz-Institute we are modelling battery materials and devices on conventional and quantum computers.

We model and simulate physicochemical processes in batteries and fuel cells. Our thermodynamic models describe reaction and transport of ions with partial differential equations. Our quantum chemical models describe the reactions of atoms at electrode surfaces. Together with experimental partners, we thus develop and optimize energy storage devices, e.g., in the Ulm Cluster of Excellence POLiS for Post Lithium Batteries.

Would you like to help shape the material simulation of the future? Then join our team on quantum simulations and develop algorithms to describe reaction and transport processes in batteries. You will be able to develop your models of quantum chemistry and continuum mechanics on quantum computers. You benefit from your own creative freedom and individual support.

We offer
DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

We offer
DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

Your tasks

• evaluating and developing such algorithms for quantum computers
• implementing the methods and performing simulations on quantum computers of the DLR
• comparing their scalability and accuracy with algorithms on classical computers
• You specifically apply the results of fundamental research to practical tasks for industry.
• You will gain experience with real quantum hardware via our industrial and experimental partnerships, while maintaining an academic perspective.
• You will author scientific publications and give presentations at national and international conferences.

Your Skills

• Theory and simulation fascinate you.
• You have a scientific university degree in a natural science or engineering subject (e.g. in the Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or similar) with very good results.
• Your good English helps you to communicate in our international team.
• You have experience publishing in journals and presenting on national and international conferences.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 3979) please contact:

Birger Horstmann 
Tel.: +49 711 6862 8254