PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of colloid and polymer chemistry

About us

The DWI – Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials is a federal and state funded research institute of the Leibniz Association based on the Melaten Campus of RWTH Aachen University. International young and experienced scientists from various disciplines develop interactive materials based on the principles of nature. It is a location at which people with different talents, experiences and skills work together, in order to learn from one another and generate new knowledge and new methods to create a better quality of life in our world.

DWI offers you a wide range of possibilities to develop further both professionally and personally in an interdisciplinary setting.

Position

DWI invites applications for a position as

PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of colloid and polymer chemistry

Your tasks

The aim of the project is to generate surfaces, which can induce movement of colloids through light driven diffusioosmosis (LDDO). The surfaces will be decorated with reactive microgels, which are structured in patterns and bound to the surface through microcontact printing. The bound flow field is then resulting from the interaction of microgels with light responsive surfactants, which diffuse into or out of the microgels depending on various conditions. The mechanism of flow formation is based on the diffusioosmotic phenomenon emerging from concentration gradient of a counter-ions expelled out of the gel’s polymer matrix during volume changing. This effect can be harnessed to locally stimulate osmotic flow and is expected to be able to “drive” the colloids along the pattern. The aim is to create a diverse range of these “active parcours” by e. g. varying the microgels’ chemical composition, size or pattern geometry. The research tasks of the PhD candidate will include synthesis of stimuli-responsive microgels decorated with reactive groups, characterisation of synthesized microgels, fabrication and characterisation of microgel-patterned surfaces followed by diffusioosmotic experiments by cooperation partners. The microgel synthesis methods will include precipitation polymerisation and microfluidics. The characterisation techniques will include NMR, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, light scattering, optical tweezer, fluorescence life time imaging as well as light and atomic force microscopy among others. 

This project will help to build a novel approach to the generation of active surfaces and help to understand basic principles of the physical phenomenon of LDDO and eventually open the possibility towards a variety of applications for locally controlled particle movement.

Your profile

• Completed studies (M.Sc. or comparable) in chemistry
• Preparative dexterity and patience
• Passion for multidisciplinary research and being eager to learn new techniques
• Highly motivated and team oriented
• Excellent skills in the English language
• Research background in polymer synthesis, surface modification, fabrication of coatings, and experience with microscopy techniques are beneficial

DWI offers

• Exciting and challenging tasks with access to internal and external networks, training opportunities, and conferences
• Individual development plans, mentoring programs, and support from experienced specialists
• Open, team-oriented work atmosphere in an international environment
• 30 days of annual leave
• Company pension plan (VBL)
• Flexible, family-friendly working conditions
• Good transportation connection with parking facilities
• Restaurants and cafeterias in close proximity
• Central location near the city center

We will support the applicant to gain further qualifications. We offer our employees a broad spectrum of career opportunities in an attractive working professional environment (https://www.dwi.rwthaachen.de/seite/institutskultur). At DWI we support equal opportunities; an overview on the measures can be found here: https://www.dwi.rwth-aachen.de/en/page/equal-opportunity-and-diversity.

We welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social background.

How to apply

The deadline for the applications is May 31 2025. The position is to be filled by July 2025.

Please upload your complete application documents (curriculum vitae, copies of final and work references, letter of motivation) under "Apply for this job". Prof Pich will answer any questions you may have about the position (pich@dwi.rwth-aachen.de​).

By submitting an application, you consent to your data being processed electronically.