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

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.A brush structure is formed when polymer chains are anchored to a surface at high tethering densities. Attaching the chain ends to a surface effectively fixes the characteristic length between polymer chains, which leads to behavior that is not found with free chains. This unique structure of polymer brushes affords them many important applications, such as the steric stabilization of colloidal systems and lubrication. Our group has reported the observation of pyro- and piezoelectricity in thin surface-attached polymer brushes containing zwitterionic and electrolytic side groups. The observed piezo- and pyroelectric properties are attributed to a complex interplay of the non-uniform segment density within these films, together with a non-uniform distribution of counterions and specific ion effects but there is no direct evidence supporting this theory. 

The task of this job is to investigate the fundamental question of how the counterion is influencing the piezoelectric property of the polyelectrolyte (PE) polymer and explore the interaction of focused ultrasound on PE brushes, and utilize the new piezoelectric effect to design redox responsive systems for biomedical applications.

• 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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