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 biophysics, biochemistry and biomaterials
We are looking for a motivated and team-oriented PhD student starting from 1
st March 2026 (earlier or later possible) in the research group of Dr. Charlotta (“Lotta”) Lorenz. Lotta will start her research group at DWI from 1
st February on (
homepage). Our research group aims to understand and develop soft and biological materials towards biomedical and sustainable applications. We particularly focus on the interplay of liquid and solid components and energy in biological materials and how properties of these materials emerge from their structure.
Your tasks
In this experimental project, we will investigate the properties of composite, biological networks which consist of stiff filaments and liquid inclusions which arise from liquid-liquid phase separation. We will use a multi-scale approach bridging scales from single filaments and single droplets to composite networks using techniques such as optical tweezers, fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The concrete activities during the project will involve protein handling, general laboratory (bio-)chemistry, data analysis and comparison to expected physics. Due to the complex structure of the composite material, we expect emerging effects which can contribute to development of sustainable and biomedical materials. The results will be combined with theoretical modeling and simulations.
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
DWI supports 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). DWI supports equal opportunities; an overview on the measures can be found here:
https://www.dwi.rwth-aachen.de/en/page/equal-opportunity-and-diversity.
We at the DWI - Leibniz Institute value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social background.
How to apply
Please apply as soon as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. As soon as the position is filled, the job application will be closed.
The position is planned to start on 1
st March 2026, but earlier or later starting dates are possible (not before 1
st February 2026).
If you are interested and you are open to new professional challenges, we would be delighted to receive an application from you. If you have any questions about the job advertisement, please contact
lorenz@dwi.rwth-aachen.de Please upload your complete application documents (curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts of records, list of references, letter of motivation) under "Apply for this job".
By submitting an application, you consent to your data being processed electronically.
