Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon

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.

Institute of Metallic Biomaterials

In the Institute of Metallic Biomaterials new titanium and magnesium based implant materials for regenerative medicine are developed, produced and characterized. Researchers investigate the factors influencing the process chain and properties. In addition, the interaction of material and tissue is studied in the laboratory and at the synchrotron.

Postdoc Researcher – Fast in situ tomography for mechanical load experiments

JobID: 985 – 2026/MB 2
Location: Hamburg

Start: as soon as possible
Application deadline: 20th, May, 2026

The Helmholtz‑Zentrum Hereon, as part of Germany's Helmholtz Association, conducts mission‑driven research addressing major societal challenges. Within Hereon, the Institute of Metallic Biomaterials focuses on the development and characterization of biodegradable magnesium‑based alloys for medical implant applications. In close collaboration with the Institute of Materials Physics, which operates state‑of‑the‑art imaging beamlines at PETRA III (DESY, Hamburg), we combine materials science with world‑leading synchrotron X‑ray imaging. This unique environment enables unprecedented insight into degradation, deformation, and fatigue mechanisms in metallic biomaterials under realistic loading conditions.

Insight into materials fatigue under load is essential across many technological and biomedical fields. In‑situ experiments are key to this, as they provide real‑time information on deformation and failure mechanisms. This is especially relevant for biodegradable implant materials, where detailed knowledge of degradation and fatigue behavior is required to ensure safety and performance. The high X‑ray flux density at the imaging beamlines P05 and P07 of PETRA III enables 4D in situ/operando tomography, allowing dynamic processes such as material corrosion or mechanical deformation during compression or tensile tests to be studied in 3D over time. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in a 3-year project to help push the boundaries of high‑speed, high‑resolution micro-tomography (µCT).

Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position. In principle, the full time position (39 h/week) is also sharable.

You will contribute to advancing in situ µCT experiments at the imaging beamlines operated by Hereon, enhancing our capability to study the fatigue of magnesium based implants at highest temporal and spatial resolution. Core responsibilities include improving the existing tensile testing setup, integrating high‑speed imaging systems, and ensuring fully synchronized operation with the mechanical loading apparatus.
Another key task involves improving tomographic reconstruction methods to achieve efficient, high‑quality time‑resolved imaging. In addition, the candidate will help to implement a multimodal measurement workflow that incorporates complementary techniques such as acoustic emission monitoring, enabling automated triggering of µCT scans to follow the degradation and crack propagation in magnesium under load.
You will work closely with the PETRA III beamline team and project consortium, benefiting from their extensive experience in synchrotron-radiation experimentation. The position offers substantial freedom to shape your own experimental ideas and develop methodological expertise in a world‑class research environment.

• Contribute to advancing in situ µCT experimentation at the beamlines (P05/P07) operated by Hereon, enabling studies with high temporal and spatial resolution.
• Improve the existing tensile testing setup, including integration of high‑speed imaging systems and ensuring fully synchronized operation with the mechanical loading apparatus.
• Enhance tomographic reconstruction methodologies to achieve efficient, high‑quality, time‑resolved imaging.
• Support the implementation of a multimodal measurement workflow, incorporating complementary techniques such as acoustic emission monitoring for automated triggering of µCT scans and demonstrating the versatility by investigating the degradation of Magnesium alloys under load
• Collaborate actively within the project consortium and contribute to the dissemination of research outcomes.
• Work closely with the beamline team and the broader project consortium to ensure coordinated and supportive execution of all responsibilities.

• PhD in Physics/​Computer Science or similar
• knowledge in (fast) X‑ray tomography
• hands-on experience in experimental control
• good programming skills in Python, MATLAB, IDL or similar
• good analytical skills

Assets:

• knowledge of control software (TANGO) for experimental devices
• in situ tomography
• basic knowledge of mechanical testing of materials
• experience with HPC clusters, parallel or distributed computing

• an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
• a well-connected research campus (public transport) and best networking opportunities, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket)
• 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 of private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
• family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e.g. nursery close to the company
• free assistance program for employees (EAP)
• corporate benefits
• a varied offer in the canteen on campus

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