PhD Material Science / Polymer Physics

Technische Universität München (Technical University of Munich); München; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Open and collaborative research at TUM

International collaborations

Conferences and professional dev.

Modern laboratories at Straubing

Job summary

The Professorship for Particle and Fiber Technology at TUM invites applications for a PhD student funded by an ERC grant. The project focuses on biopolymers and high-performance fibers at the Straubing campus.

You will work on PhD research in materials science / polymer physics, conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to a cross-disciplinary team over three years on a 65% TV-L E13 contract.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in materials science, polymer physics, polymer engineering, materials engineering, or a closely related field.
• Solid understanding of polymer physics, including structure, crystallinity, interactions, and chain dynamics.
• Hands-on experience in experimental materials research and designing experiments.
• Experience with mechanical testing, spectroscopy, or structural characterization is advantageous.
• Strong scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and proactive research approach.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating in an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments on bio-based polymers and biopolymers.
• Analyze results critically and troubleshoot independently.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Utilize spectroscopy and structural characterization tools as needed.
• Contribute to ERC-funded PhD project and scientific publications.

Skills

Polymer physics

Experimental materials research

Data analysis

Independent work

Education

Master’s degree in materials science or related field

Tools

Spectroscopy FTIR

Raman spectroscopy

XRD/SAXS/WAXS

Mechanical testing

Job description

The Professorship for Particle and Fiber technology is looking for a PhD funded by our ERC Grant

PhD Material Science / Polymer Physics

19.10.2026, Academic staff

Our research focuses on extracting and isolating bio-based polymers such as cellulose and proteins from renewable feedstocks and waste streams. We aim to develop sustainable processes to convert these materials into high-performance fibers and functional materials. By manipulating molecular interactions through chemical and physical methods, we tailor the structural and mechanical properties of bio-based materials to advance the potential of biopolymers in various applications.

Project Description

Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on earth and offers significant potential for applications such as sustainable packaging materials and textiles. However, its use in mass production is limited by its ina-bility to melt like conventional thermoplastics. This limitation arises from the strong intermolecular bonding within cellulose: upon heating between 240°C and 350°C, cellulose begins to decompose rather than transitioning into a meltable phase.

LaserCell funded by ERC StG envisions an innovative approach to reshape and rearrange cellulose at the molecular level by disrupting cohesive interactions through resonant excitation of specific bonds. It will revolutionize the field of biopolymer processing beyond cellulose and yield fundamental insights into supramolecular structure and dynamics in biomaterials.

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate with the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in materials science, polymer physics, polymer engineering, materials engineering, or a closely related field.
• A solid understanding of polymer physics, particularly polymer structure, crystallinity, molecular interactions, and chain dynamics.
• Hands-on experience in experimental materials research, with the ability to design experiments, analyze results critically, and troubleshoot independently.
• Experience in mechanical testing, rheology, spectroscopy (e.g., FTIR, Raman), or structural characterization (e.g., XRD, SAXS/WAXS) is considered an advantage.
• Strong scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and a proactive approach to identifying research questions and developing solutions.
• Self-motivation, initiative, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.

We offer

• We offer an excellent research environment within a young, dynamic, and interdisciplinary team at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).
• We foster an open and collaborative research culture that encourages scientific curiosity, independent thinking, and the development of new ideas.
• You will have the opportunity to take ownership of your research, develop your scientific skills, and contribute to innovative approaches for sustainable materials processing.
• The position offers a three-year employment contract (65% TV-L E13), with access to modern, well-equipped laboratories and opportunities for international research collaborations.
• Participation in international conferences, scientific exchange, and professional development activities will be encouraged and supported.

The position is based at TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, a research hub specializing in renewable resources, biotechnology, and sustainable technologies. Located along the Danube near the Bavarian Forest, Straubing combines a historic town setting with an international academic environment.

TUM is an equal opportunity employer and explicitly encourages applications from women and individuals who contribute to the diversity of the university. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference in cases of essentially equal suitability and qualifications.

The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

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