GRK 2948 (Stuttgart) Mechanical-Electrical Coupling of Mixed Conducting Polymer Materials

Universität Stuttgart; Stuttgart; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institute is seeking a doctoral researcher to investigate mechanical-electrical coupling in conducting polymer films. The position involves working on doping strategies, collaborating across disciplines, and engaging in advanced electrochemistry techniques. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in chemistry, physics, or materials science and have excellent English skills. This role is based in Stuttgart and offers a temporary contract for up to 42 months starting in April 2026.

Leistungen

Temporary employment contracts for up to 42 months

Opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree

Engagement in international research collaborations

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in relevant field required.
• Strong communication skills in interdisciplinary research settings.
• Prior research experience is advantageous.

Aufgaben

• Conduct research on mechanical-electrical coupling of conducting polymer films.
• Establish doping strategies for mixed conducting polymer films.
• Collaborate with other doctoral researchers on interdisciplinary projects.

Kenntnisse

Very good Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials sciences/engineering

Ability to work in interdisciplinary and international research environments

Excellent English skills (written and verbal)

Research experience in related fields

Ausbildung

Master’s degree or equivalent

Jobbeschreibung

Position

Position ID: 1782

Faculty/Facility: SC SimTech; Chemistry; Civil- and Environmental Engineering

Institute/Facility: Chemistry: IPOC - Institute of Polymer Chemistry
Civil- and Environmental Engineering: MIB - Institute of Applied Mechanics (Civil Engineering)

Research Association: GRK 2948: Mixed Ionic-Electronic Transport

Teaching Obligation: Yes

Application deadline: 12/15/2025

Anticipated Start Date: 04/01/2026

About Us

The DFG‑funded Research Training Group Mixed Ionic‑Electronic Transport (GRK 2948) is an interdisciplinary structured doctoral programme at Heidelberg University and the University of Stuttgart. We explore how ions and electrons interact in organic hybrid and nanoscale materials with the aim to create new functionalities for sensors, soft actuators and bioelectronics.

Pursuing a doctoral degree within this Research Training Group offers you a combination of fundamental and applied research topics, close collaboration across disciplines in a collaborative and diverse environment, exchanges with international partners and a tailored qualification programme. It will enable you to pursue a successful career within the fast‑expanding field of mixed ionic‑electronic conductors which are applied in functional opto‑electronic, electrochemical and bioelectronic devices.

Exciting research projects from theory to synthesis and device engineering are located at Heidelberg University or the University of Stuttgart.

Your Tasks

We are looking for a joint doctoral researcher to work on an interdisciplinary project on the mechanical‑electrical coupling of doped conducting polymer films. Applications in actuators for soft robotics and flexible electrical devices are targeted.

The project focuses on establishing doping strategies for mixed conducting polymer films which can be rheologically characterized with dynamic mechanical analysis. Direct correlations with the electrical properties will be developed during the project. Chemical doping will be compared with electrochemical doping to access differently doped states. The complex interplay between dopants and counter‑ions on the properties of the macroscopic doped films will be elucidated. Atomic force microscopy will be used to monitor local morphology and conductivity changes. Nanoindentation will further help to locally study the mechanical properties.

A background in nano and materials science, chemical engineering or physics is beneficial. The work will involve testing different doping strategies, applying advanced electrochemistry techniques, electrical and thermal characterization, and setting up in‑situ rheology techniques (e.g. rheology coupling with electrochemistry).

Close collaboration with other doctoral researchers within the Ludwigs and Steeb teams and the Kemerink team from Heidelberg University is expected.

Main Advisor: Prof. Dr. Sabine Ludwigs & Prof. Holger Steeb

Location/Institute: University of Stuttgart Functional Soft Materials Lab SC SimTech Pfaffenwaldring 55 D‑70569 Stuttgart

Your Profile

General requirements

• Very good Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, materials sciences/engineering or a similar subject
• Being able to work and communicate in interdisciplinary and international research environments
• Excellent English skills (written and verbal)
• Commitment to a structured doctoral programme with additional courses, events, outreach activities and opportunities for collaborations
• Previous research experience in any related field is highly welcome

Documents to be provided as PDFs

• Bachelor and Master certificates (in English or German) with transcripts
• Curriculum vitae (max 3 pages)
• One‑page motivation letter explaining your reasons for wanting to join this RTG, please specify and explain your choice of project
• Letter of recommendation from the supervisor of your master thesis (if available)

Submit your documents by 15th December 2025 (latest).

You might be invited for online and on‑site interviews depending on pre‑screening.

Your Benefits

We offer temporary employment contracts for up to 42 months (75% TVL‑E13) starting in April 2026. Enrolment to pursue a doctoral degree at the corresponding faculties based on their requirements is mandatory in addition to joining the Research Training Group.

Heidelberg University and the University of Stuttgart stand for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

Information on the collection of personal data is available at Job market Heidelberg University.

Employment and compensation information

Maximal Funding Period or Duration of Employment: 42 months

Type of Funding: Position as Employee at the University of Stuttgart

Percentage of weekly working hours (usually 39.5h 100%): 75% EG TV‑L 13

Employment at the cooperation partner: No

Location: Stuttgart Campus Vaihingen

Contact person: Dr. Sebastian Grieger

Mail:

Phone: