Unabhängige Forschungsgruppenleitung (w/m/d) "Micromechanics of Soft Matter"

The DWI is a research institute of the Leibniz Association, funded by the German federal and state governments and located on the Campus Melaten of RWTH Aachen University. Inspired by the properties of natural materials, scientists from various disciplines develop interactive materials at the DWI for future applications in biomedicine or in the field of sustainability.
DWI puts great effort into the promotion of young scientists at all career levels. One high priority of DWI is to nurture Independent Research Groups, led by outstanding junior researchers. A number of ambitious and talented young scientists get the opportunity to establish an Independent Research Group at DWI to build their career and reputation while holding a time-limited position at DWI. They have the freedom to develop their own research ideas and are encouraged to apply for grants independently. To be prepared for future leadership positions, they take over the responsibility for their own research team, supervise substantial infrastructure of DWI and are involved in the work of the DWI Scientific Board.DWI is seeking to hire an ‘Independent Group Leader’
Focusing on: Micromechanics of Soft Matter

• Your task will be to establish your own Independent Research Group at the DWI. This includes developing your own research profile, developing new research approaches and project ideas as well as applying for suitable third-party grants. 
• You manage your own research projects and collaborate with existing research groups at the DWI.
• You mentor (PhD) students and participate in teaching activities.
• You take responsibility for specific equipment and/or laboratories at the DWI.
• You participate in scientific conferences and present/publish research results.

 
Following the overall scientific target to get deep insights into the micromechanics and microrheology of soft materials using the combination of optical tweezers (OT), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM), potential fields of research include:

• Single molecule mechanics (host-guest complexes, DNA-protein interactions, etc.)
• Micromechanics of soft colloids (stimuli-responsive microgels, polymer microbubbles, etc.)
• Biomechanics of cells and tissues (cell-bacteria interactions, bio adhesion, etc.)
• Mechanobiology and mechanochemistry of soft materials
• Force-responsive bioinspired soft materials

• You are a highly talented and committed physical chemist, (bio)physicist or scientist in a related field enthusiastic about developing new materials.
• You are holding a doctoral degree, you have postdoc experience and you are aiming for the next significant step in your academic career.
• You have excellent written and oral communication skills in English (working language), including the ability to present research findings at scientific conferences and to publish papers in high impact peer-reviewed journals.
• You are a team player who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary environment and is experienced in supervising students. 
• You are characterized by a high degree of motivation, flexibility and resilience.
• Analytical thinking, organizational skills and the ability to act independently and on your own responsibility are as natural to you as social skills.

• Access to the DWI infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment and expertise at the Institute
• Financial support enabling initial experiments and building up a small research team, 
• Mentoring by DWI’s Scientific Board members to help fine-tuning research ideas and to benefit from the stimulating environment at DWI,
• Time to write proposals to get funding for further assembling your research team 
• Collaborative projects together with other scientists at DWI and beyond, with the goal of building a network and obtaining additional funds
• A ready to use, specially designed and integrated device combining OT, AFM and CFM
• A company pension scheme within the framework of VBL
• 30 days annual leave
• Flexible and family-friendly working conditions
• An open and team-oriented working atmosphere in an international environment
• The support of a very dedicated team
• Good traffic situation including parking garage
• Restaurants and cafeterias in the immediate vicinity
• Proximity to the city center 
• An advantageous location of the research institute in a stimulating scientific environment, including RWTH Aachen University, several non-university research institutions and the Uniklinik RWTH Aachen.

The full-time position is available immediately. The position is timely-limited. Please upload your complete application documents under "Apply now". By submitting your application, you agree to the electronic processing of your data. The application deadline is April 30th, 2025.

If you are interested and open to new professional challenges, we look forward to receiving your application. Please upload your complete application documents in our Online - Application Portal. By submitting your application, you agree to the electronic processing of your data.

The DWI values diversity and therefore welcomes all applications – regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social origin. We offer our employees a wide range of career opportunities in an appealing working environment and have established various measures to ensure equal opportunities and to improve the compatibility of work and family. The salary is based on the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L).

For more information about the DWI, please visit our homepage at www.dwi.rwth-aachen.de