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

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


Starting from now, a PhD student position is available in the research group of Dr. Jian Wang, an independent group leader of DWI. The research in his group aims to open new frontiers in multiple scientific disciplines ranging from interface and macromolecular chemistry to drug delivery and cancer therapy technology and seeks to make significant contributions to both fundamental science and practical applications, potentially offering solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues in sustainability and healthcare.One project in Dr. Wang’s research group is to study the plasma electrochemistry for controlled molecular transformations from small molecules to polymers. Electrical discharges in gases that operate near room temperature and at atmospheric pressure can be interfaced with aqueous solutions to serve as a gaseous, metal-free electrode and mediate electrochemical reactions. In particular, the injection of gas-phase electrons into solution to generate solvated electrons, one of the strongest chemical reducing species, has been demonstrated, and applied to the synthesis of metal nanoparticles and electroreduction of molecular nitrogen to ammonia. For the most part, these plasma-liquid studies have been limited to water as the solvent. Expanding the solvent system to organics would open up new chemical applications such as small molecule transformations and controlled depolymerization/degradation of engineering polymers. 

The task of this job is to explore possiblities of using plasma electrochemistry to realize molecular transformations that other techniques can hardly achieve. Success of the project will open up a new field in molecular transformations both in small molecules and polymers and potentially overcome worldwide challenges like CO2 reduction and polymer recycling and upcycling. 

• Completed studies (M.Sc. or comparable) in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, catalysis chemistry or materials science. 
• Highly motivated and team oriented
• Passion for multidisciplinary research and being eager to learn new techniques
• Strong research background in organic chemistry and polymer science.
• Excellent skills in the English language

• 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.The position is to be filled immediately.
  
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 [email protected].
  
Please upload your complete application documents (curriculum vitae, copies of final and work references, letter of motivation) under "Apply for this job" or send emails directly to [email protected] 
  
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