PhD position (m/f/d) Depolymerisation of bio-based polymers

The Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT Rostock) with approx. 300 employees and guests is one of the leading European research institutions in the field of catalysis. LIKAT is a competent partner for the research and development of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts as well as catalytic processes and technologies. LIKATs focus is on application-oriented basic research and applied research. Therefore, it cooperates with industrial companies and research institutes worldwide. The research group of Mechanisms of Homogeneous Catalysis in the department of Modern Concepts in Molecular Catalysis (Beweries group) has an opening for a position in this area.

PhD position (m/f/d)

417-03/2024 In the area of "Depolymerisation of bio-based polymers"

Your task:

Your work will focus on the development of mechanochemical tools for the depolymerisation and upcycling of bio-based polymers, as well as the characterisation and application of depolymerisation products. The project will build on previous experience of the research group in the field of mechanochemical degradation of pharmaceuticals and organometallic chemistry. The candidate is being supervised by Torsten Beweries (LIKAT Rostock) and Matthias Bauer (Paderborn University) as part of an interdisciplinary joint project, funded by the Leibniz Association.

Your competence:

Excellent knowledge of either German or English language is required. Experience in the field of organic chemistry and good knowledge of standard characterisation techniques (NMR, IR, GC, MS) is mandatory. Additional basic knowledge of organometallic chemistry and catalyst synthesis would be desirable. The applicant should have a high degree of self-motivation and actively participate in problem solving across research topics in international interdisciplinary teams. Applications from Applied Universities ("Fachhochschulen") can be also considered.

Our offer: We offer a challenging PhD position in an excellent, international environment at the LIKAT Rostock. Mentoring and support for the doctoral student is provided through a comprehensive training phase and regular exchanges with the supervisor. The position is available from July 1, 2024 and limited to 3 years. Place of work is Rostock, a university city with direct access to the Baltic Sea. The salary is based on public service rates of the German states (E13 TV-L, 66%). LIKAT supports professional equality of women and men and so applications from women are most welcome. In areas where women are underrepresented at LIKAT preference will be given to women with equal qualification. Disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Please, send your application (including C.V., list of publications, copies of relevant examination certificates and names contact information of two referees) as an e-mail (in one pdf file with a max. size of 25 MB) by e-mail quoting the reference number 417-03/2024 to bewerbungen(at)catalysis.de until May 3, 2024.

For topic related questions, please contact Prof. Torsten Beweries (torsten.beweries(at)catalysis.de) directly.

Please note that application and travel costs cannot be reimbursed.