Research Assistant (m/f/d)

Leibniz-Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe GmbH; Deutschland; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Leibniz-Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe GmbH invites applications for a Research Assistant (m/f/d) to join the Future field“vitrimers” in the composites research team. The project focuses on how dynamic vitrimer networks in FRPs respond to ultrasound to enable forming, repairing, and potential recycling of materials.

You will identify suitable vitrimer systems, develop ultrasound-based characterization methods, and investigate interactions among vitrimers, fibers and interfaces, collaborating

Qualifications

• Above-average degree in materials science or related field.
• Knowledge of polymer materials and/or polymer composites.
• Initial experience with vitrimers is advantageous.
• Interest in academic research and publications.

Responsibilities

• Explore fundamentals of vitrimers and their application in FRPs.
• Develop methods to characterize flowability of vitrimers under ultrasound.
• Study interaction between ultrasound, vitrimers, fibers and interfaces.
• Collaborate with the Power Ultrasonics group and the DFG Priority Programme SPP2528.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Organization

German proficiency

English proficiency

Education

Materials science/Engineering degree

Job description

Organisation/Company Leibniz-Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe GmbH Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 31 Oct 2026 - 15:00 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Negotiable Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Leibniz Institute for Composite Materials (IVW) GmbH is one of the world's leading institutions in the field of

composite materials. We investigate and develop the entire value chain of composite materials "from the scientific basis to the component".

To strengthen our team in the Future field ,,vitrimers”- we are looking for a Research Assistant (m/f/d)

Your task

Vitrimers are a rather new class of polymer matrices for fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPs). Under the influence of temperature, such dynamic polymer networks transform from a highly rigid thermoset state into a flowable state. This opens up new possibilities for the forming, repair and, in the future, also the recycling of FRPs. Within the scope of this research project, it is the goal to investigate and fundamentally understand to what ex- tent vitrimer-based FRPs can be formed and repaired using ultrasound - that is, through mechanical waves and beyond a purely thermal stimulus. Preliminary work shows that the use of power ultrasonics represents a particularly promising and innovative approach for this purpose.

Your task will be to explore the fundamentals of these materials and their application in fiber-reinforced polymer composites, to identify suitable ultrasound-sensitive vitrimers, develop new methods to experimentally charac- terize the flowability of vitrimers and corresponding FRPs under the influence of ultra-sound, and develop an understanding of the interaction between ultrasound, vitrimers, fibers and interfaces. For your research work, you will have access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and will work with ex-perts in the fields of materials science, chemistry and physics. The project will be carried out in close collabora- tion with the research group “Power Ultrasonics” at the Chair of Materials Science and Engineering at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau and is also embedded in the Priority Programme SPP2528 of the German Research Foundation (DFG). It is possible to pursue a doctorate.

• High motivation, initiative, ability to work in a team, independent working style
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• An above-average university degree in materials science, materials engineering, polymer engineering,
  mechanical engineering with a focus on materials science, chemical engineering, or a comparable
  discipline
• Knowledge of polymer materials and/or polymer composites
• Initial experience in the field of vitrimers is an advantage
• Interest in academic research, presenting and publishing
• Excellent written and spoken German and English skills

Additional Information

• Collaboration with national, international and multidisciplinary teams
• Possibility for a doctorate
• Flexible working hours for a better work-life balance
• Remuneration in line with the public sector including the usual social benefits and the possibility of a
  company pension scheme as well as an allowance for capital-forming benefits
• A varied further education programs, sports activities, joint leisure events
• Health days and company integration management
• Support with care services in the family environment
• Jobticket

IVW is committed to the employment of people with disabilities: Applications from severely disabled persons and persons of equal status will be given preferential consideration if they are suitable. IVW sees itself as a modern and open-minded employer. We welcome your application regardless of your age, gender, cultural and social background, religion, ideology, disability or sexual identity. We promote gender equality.

The position is to be filled as of January 1, 2027, and is initially limited to the duration of the project (3 years).

We look forward to receiving your application.