Research Associate - Advanced Materials, Nanofibers and Functional Coatings

Hochschule Rhein-Waal; Kleve; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Diversity

Internationality

Family-friendly university

Mobile working

Home office

University sports

Creative freedom

Development opportunities

Job summary

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences invites applications for a Research Associate in Advanced Materials, Nanofibers and Functional Coatings. The role focuses on electrospun nanofibers, polymers and coatings with EMI shielding and triboelectric effects, conducted in an international, interdisciplinary setting.

The candidate will plan experiments, model material behavior, analyze data, and publish results. Part-time, fixed-term until 31-10-2029, 19.92 hours per week in Kleve campus, NRW.

Qualifications

• Master or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, or closely related field.
• Electrospinning, nanomaterials (graphene, MXene), and/or functional coatings for EMI shielding/TENG.
• Modeling and simulation of materials/processes using Python, MATLAB, COMSOL, ANSYS or similar.
• Advanced material characterization methods: electrical, thermal, optical.
• Strong experience in planning, conducting and evaluating lab experiments.

Responsibilities

• Develop functional polymers, nanofibers, coatings and composites for EMI shielding and TENG.
• Investigate advanced nanomaterials like graphene and MXenes.
• Plan and optimize lab experiments; characterize materials with electrical, thermal, and optical methods.
• Build models and run simulations; connect experiments to theory and numerical models.
• Publish results in international journals; collaborate with international/industrial partners.

Skills

Master/PhD degree

Electrospinning

Nanomaterials

Graphene

MXenes

Modeling & simulation

Python

MATLAB

COMSOL

ANSYS

Lab characterization

Adsorption kinetics

Lab planning

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

German B2/C1

English B2/C1

Education

Master/PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

COMSOL Multiphysics

ANSYS

Job description

For around 15 years, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences has provided an innovative, interdisciplinary and international education to young minds from around the world. Located in the Lower Rhin region of Germany, we offer a total of 37 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in four multidisciplinary faculties: Technology and Bionics, Life Sciences, Society and Economics, and Communication and Environment. International collaboration is a strength of ours, seen and felt in our network of over 90 partner universities in 38 countries. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is connected to the larger world, but also deeply rooted in its Dutch-German EUREGIO regional home.

The ResistCAM research project focuses on the development of innovative and multifunctional materials for advanced camouflage applications. The project aims to establish new material and coating concepts that combine high thermal resistance, durability, and tailored optical, infrared, and electromagnetic properties. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of nanostructured fibres, functional polymer materials, nanomaterials, and advanced surface coatings and on understanding their structure–property relationships. As part of the project, we contribute our expertise in functional materials, nanofibre fabrication, surface engineering, and advanced material characterization. The research activities include the development and optimization of electrospun nanofibre structures and multifunctional coating systems, as well as the investigation of their thermal, mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. The project brings together academic and industrial partners in an interdisciplinary and international research environment, with the aim of translating innovative material concepts into high-performance and application-oriented technologies.

Join our teamand help strengthen our university in the Faculty of Technology and Bionics, Kleve Campus, in the following position, to be filled as soon as possible

Research Associate - Advanced Materials, Nanofibers and Functional Coatings

Reference Number 01/F1/26

German TV-L pay scale level EG13 / fixed-term contract until 31-10-2029 (project-based) / part time with an average of 19,92 weekly hours.

YOUR FUTURE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development of functional polymeric materials, nanofibers, coatings, and hybrid nanocomposites for applications such as EMI shielding and TENG
• Application and investigation of advanced nanomaterials, in particular graphene, MXenes, and other functional nanomaterials
• Planning, conducting, and systematically optimizing laboratory experiments about material composition and process parameters. Characterization of the developed materials using advanced methods, including electrical, thermal, and optical characterizations
• Development and application of computer-aided models and simulations for functional materials, coatings, and related processes. Investigation of adsorption/desorption equilibria and kinetics in porous, fibrous, coated, and nanostructured materials
• Develop predictive relationships between material properties, processing conditions, and system performance. Perform parameter estimation, sensitivity analysis, and process optimization. Link experimental results to theoretical and numerical models and validate them using experimental data
• Analysis and scientific interpretation of research results. Publication of the results in international scientific journals
• Contributing to the development of innovative multifunctional materials and sustainable technical solutions. Collaborating with interdisciplinary, international, and industrial research partners

YOUR SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A completed scientific academic degree (Master or equivalent degree in materials science, chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, or a completed doctoral degree in a relevant field of research
• Electrospinning, nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, MXene), and/or functional or smart coatings for EMI shielding and TENG
• Computer-aided modeling and simulation of materials and processes, for example using Python, MATLAB, COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, or comparable software
• Practical advanced material characterization methods, particularly electrical, thermal, and optical characterizations
• In-depth knowledge in the fields of functional materials, polymers, surface engineering, coatings, and nanomaterials
• Knowledge of adsorption kinetics, adsorption/desorption processes, coating technologies, and mass transfer phenomena. Computer-aided models and simulations for functional materials, coatings, and related processes
• Experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating complex laboratory experiments
• Skills in scientific writing, presenting, and communicating
• Willingness and ability to assume scientific responsibility and to independently drive research activities forward
• German (GER-Skala) B2/C1 Level, English (CEFR) B2/C1 Level
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate successfully on multidisciplinary, international, and industrial research projects
• High motivation, creativity, and initiative, as well as an interest in the development of sustainable and innovative materials and process technologies
• Gender and diversity competence

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

Diversity | Internationality | Certified as a family-friendly university | Mobile working as well as home office | University sports | Collegial, open working atmosphere| Exciting and varied range of tasks | Personal responsibility and creative freedom | opportunities for personal and professional development

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is committed to the professional development and advancement of women. Female candidates are expressly welcomed and encouraged to apply. In accordance with the Gender Equality Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz NRW), in cases of equal suitability, aptitude and professional experience, female candidates shall be given preferential consideration over male candidates for vacancies in areas with proportionally fewer female employees, provided there are no specific, overriding reasons for giving preference to a specific male candidate.

In the event of equal suitability, preferential consideration will also be given to disabled candidates or candidates recognised as such by virtue of Section 2 (3) of the German Code of Social Law, Book IX (SGB IX).

03-11-2026.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact Mr. Ewert at [phone].