PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of experimental soft matter physics: Mechanics of microgels as a project of the CRC 1769 Polymer Mechanochemistry

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.

DWI invites applications for a position as
    
We are looking for a motivated and team-oriented PhD student starting in October 2026 in the research group of Dr. Charlotta Lorenz. Our research group aims to understand and develop biological and soft materials towards biomedical and sustainable applications. We particularly focus on the interplay of liquid-liquid or liquid-solid phases in biological materials and how properties of these materials emerge from their structure. For example, we study liquid, phase-separated protein inclusions in biological polymer networks and the influence of such inclusions on the mechanics.

In this experimental project embedded in the CRC 1769, we aim to establish optical tweezers as a tool in gel characterization, test the mechanics of gels on the micrometer-scale and investigate the potential of biomedical applications of such gels. Experiments will start with benchmarking experiments against well-established measurement techniques such as atomic force microscopy (also part of the CRC) and will be compared to other methods within the CRC. We will then quantify the rupture, hysteresis, memory and recovery behavior in the non-linear regime of such materials and eventually move to the mechanics of complex networks with multiple components including enzyme- or drug-loaded microgels.

• Strong supervision and strong collaborations within and outside the CRC
• 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.

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 October 2026. Remuneration will be based on the collective agreement for the public service of the German federal states (TV-L) and is intended to correspond to pay grade E 13.
 
If you are interested and you are open to new professional challenges, we would be delighted to receive an application from you.
   
Please upload your complete application documents (curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts of records, list of references, letter of motivation) under "Apply for this job". If you have any questions about the job advertisement, please contact lorenz@dwi.rwth-aachen.de.
   
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