PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of 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 invites applications for a position as
 
Starting from October. 2026, a PhD student position is available in the research group of Dr. Jian Wang, an independent group leader of DWI. This position is funded by DFG collaborative research center (CRC 1769). A DFG Collaborative Research Centre (CRC/SFB) is a major German funding instrument supporting long-term, interdisciplinary, university-based research consortia for up to 12 years, bringing multiple research groups together around a shared scientific theme. CRC 1769, "Polymer Mechanochemistry," is a newly funded centre led by RWTH Aachen (spokesperson Prof. Andreas Herrmann) with partners including DWI Aachen, Düsseldorf, Wuppertal, Bremen, Lübeck, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and the Max Planck Institute in Mainz, starting in October 2026 to investigate mechanochemical processes in polymers. The goal of this CRC is to decipher fundamental rules governing the reactivity of such processes, develop force-sensitive molecular motifs, establish modern in situ analytical methods, and use computational models across different length scales. A particular focus lies on biomedical applications. Mechanochemical principles could in the future help to activate active substances selectively through mechanical stimuli, thereby enabling therapies to be controlled with greater spatial and temporal precision and with fewer side effects.

The aim of this project in this CRC is to develop macromolecules with programmable and tunable mechanochemical degradability. It is founded on the hypothesis that polymer topology governs the distribution and concentration of mechanical forces within macromolecular networks, enabling the selective activation of mechanophores embedded in polymer chains. To test this hypothesis, we will synthesize libraries of polymers with distinct topologies and precisely controlled distributions of mechanosensitive bonds (mechanophores). Degradation of macromolecules will be investigated with respect to size, internal structure, ultrasound parameters, type of monomers and the structure of degradation products. Structure-reactivity relationships of polymers will be established and leveraged to inform the design of improved mechanosensitive polymers across different architectural frameworks. The task of this job is to synthesize new mechanophores and prepare polymers with different architectures and study the force transmission and degradation behavior of polymers.  Success of this project will enable on-demand activation of mechanophores in polymers at specific locations and times through applied mechanical force, offering new possibilities for controlled release of bioactive molecules and informing bulk polymer design with mechanochemical reactivity.

• Exciting and challenging tasks with access to internal and external networks, training opportunities, and conferences
• Opportunities to work with world leading scientists in this field.
• 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

You can expect a highly motivated team of friendly and competent colleagues, as well as a dynamic, international environment where everyone can contribute their strengths and skills.

The DWI supports you in furthering your professional development. We offer our employees an appealing work environment; see https://www.dwi.rwth-aachen.de/seite/institutskultur.

An overview of our initiatives for gender equality and improving work-life balance can be found at https://www.dwi.rwth-aachen.de/seite/arbeiten-am-dwi.

The DWI – Leibniz Institute values diversity and therefore welcomes all applications—regardless of gender, disability, nationality, or ethnic and social background.

The position is scheduled to begin on or after October 1, 2026. Compensation is based on the Collective Bargaining Agreement for State Employees (TV-L) and falls under pay grade E 13.

If you are interested in a new professional challenge, we look forward to receiving your application.

Please upload your complete and detailed application materials (resume, copies of diplomas and employment references, cover letter) in electronic form via the “Apply for this position” link. If you have any questions about the job posting, please contact an:jwang@dwi.rwth-aachen.de.

By submitting an application, you consent to the electronic processing of your data.