Engineer, Materials Scientist, Physicist, Mathematician (f/m/x)

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; 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!For our Institute of Materials Research in Köln we are looking for

Engineer, Materials Scientist, Physicist, Mathematician (f/m/x)

Postdoc in „Quantum computing for materials science and engineering“What to expect: The department "Metallic and Hybrid Materials" of the Institute of Materials Research works in the fields of development and optimization of modern metallic materials for aerospace applications. Computational methods are used to understand the thermodynamics and structure of materials to predict their properties and understand their behaviour. The combination of these methods with (quantum) optimization algorithms and machine learning is applied to accelerate the analysis and development of materials. The relationships between process, structure and properties are finally investigated through advanced mechanical testing or synchrotron tomography techniques. The Quantum Computing Initiative is a major project of the German Aerospace Center funded by the Federal Government in the field of development and use of quantum computers. The aim of "QuantiCoM - Quantum Computing for Materials Science and Engineering" is to use quantum computers for the rapid development of materials in order to find sustainable solutions for a circular economy. Your tasks:

• You are part of a team that develops, implements and uses experimental and computational tools to determine the properties of engineering materials
• You will develop hybrid algorithms for quantum computers and apply them on real machines
• You will investigate the power of quantum machine learning and quantum optimization
• Based on your results, you will develop further numerical and physical experiments
• You will supervise PhD students and manage scientific projects
  
  

Become part of our team and lay the foundation for the future development of quantum technologies and materials science. The position also allows participation in the DLR educational programme. What we expect from you:

• Security clearance as well as the willingness to security clearance pursuant to
• 8 ff. Security Clearance Act (SÜG) is a condition for employment at DLR
• University degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering or a related field
• Doctorate
• Solid understanding of quantum physics
• Good knowledge of software development in Python or a comparable programming language
• Very good knowledge of written and spoken German and English
• Proven knowledge of project management
• Experience in guiding and managing staff
• Willingness to work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians
• Experience in the development and implementation of machine learning tools desired
• Ideally you have experience with quantum computing technologies and/or development/application of quantum computing algorithms
• Experience in combinatorial optimisation desired
  
  

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. Further information: Starting date: immediately

Duration of contract: 30th September 2026

Type of employment: Full time (part time possible) Remuneration: Depending on qualifications and assignment of tasks up to pay group 14 TVöD Vacancy-ID: 96141 Contact:

Dr. Eric Breitbarth, Phone: 49/2203 601-2504

Dr. David Melching, Phone: 49/2203 601-5380