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Bewerbungszeitraum endet in 21 Stunden!
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) at Campus Straubing is looking for a
PhD (f/m/d) in Polymer Science/Chemistry
funded by ERC StG with excellent opportunities for both research and career development.
About us
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 inability 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:- Master’s degree in polymer science, chemistry, materials science, or materials engineering, or a closely related field
- Experience with cellulose and its processing technologies e.g. fiber spinning, extrusion, as well as characterization methods, e.g. GPC, NMR is an advantage
- Strong willingness to contribute to the setup and management of laboratory infrastructure
- Fluency in English, particularly in scientific writing and communication, is required
- Practical, hands-on skills and technical competence are highly valued, especially given that the laboratory is in the expansion phase
We offer
We offer excellent working conditions within a young and interdisciplinary team. In an open and collaborative environment, you will have the freedom to develop and pursue your own ideas. Located at the gateway to the Bavarian Forest, Straubing—a historic ducal town on the Danube—is a leading center for renewable materials and sustainability technologies in Germany.
This position offers a three-year contract (65% E13 TV-L) with the possibility of extension. You will benefit from international collaboration opportunities, especially in the Nordic countries, as well as conference participation and research in a modern, well-equipped laboratory environment.
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women and individuals who can contribute to the diversity of the university’s research and teaching. Preference will be given to candidates with disabilities who have equivalent qualifications.
Join us!
To apply this position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English via email to applications.pft(at)cs.tum.de:- CV including publications
- A max one page motivation letter
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Contact details of two referees
The deadline for application is March 1st, 2026. For more information about PFT group, please check on our website Particle and Fiber Technology.
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Bewerbungszeitraum endet in 21 Stunden!
The newly established research group in Particle and Fiber Technology for bio-based Materials, led by Prof. Dr. Wenwen Fang, is seeking a highly motivated
PhD in Biopolymer-based Materials (f/m/d)
As a PhD researcher you join our team at the Technical University of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology
and Sustainability (TUMCS). This is a household position funded by the university with excellent
opportunities for both research and career developmentAbout the Research Group
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 inability 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.
Key Responsibilities- Fiber Spinning Lab Development: Develop and optimize biopolymer-based fiber spinning processes (e.g., dry-jet wet spinning, core shell fiber spinning) using materials such as cellulose and proteins. Establish and refine experimental protocols, troubleshooting basic lab infrastructure related to spinning and fiber characterization.
- Teaching Support: Assist in preparing and delivering course exercises and laboratory sessions, including setup of experiments, instructional materials, and guidance on laboratory practice.
- Student Supervision: Guide and support students during their thesis work and internship.
- Research: Conduct innovative research on sustainable and functional fibers, with the flexibility to explore new research topics within this field.
This position provides a unique opportunity to build a state-of-the-art fiber spinning lab and a balance in
lab development, teaching and research. The research topic is flexible, allowing the successful candidate
to contribute their own ideas and innovations within the scope of bio-based fiber materials.Qualification
We are looking for a candidate with the following qualifications:
- Master in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Physics, Material Science/ Engineering
- Experience with bio-based polymers and their processing technologies is an advantage
- Proven ability or willingness to contribute to the setup and management of laboratory infrastructure
- Strong communication skills in both written and spoken English.
- Basic knowledge in mechanical engineering or experience with fiber spinning equipment is an advantage.
What We Offer
- Research Freedom: Flexibility to explore different research topics within sustainable fibers
- Career Development: Opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a new research laboratory and develop leadership skills
- Teaching Experience: Gain valuable teaching experience at one of Germany’s leading technical universities
- Collaborative Environment: Work in a highly interdisciplinary and dynamic environment at the TUM Straubing Campus, focused on sustainability and renewable resources
- Salary: 65% TV-L E13 pay scale, 3 years contract, with possibility of extension
- As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women as well as from all others who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications
Join us!
To apply this position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English via email to applications.pft(at)cs.tum.de:- CV including publications
- Letter of motivation, maximum 1 page
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Contact details of two referees
The deadline for application is March 1st, 2026. For more information about PFT group, please check on our website Particle and Fiber Technology
Join the Professorship Particle and Fiber Technology
Are you interested in an Internship or Thesis?
We are taking in students to work on many exciting projects!
Feel free to submit your application (including Motivation Letter, CV and Transcript of Records) to applications.pft(at)cs.tum.de.
Are you interested in a PhD or Postdoc Position?
We encourage you to apply with a doctoral scholarship or postdoctoral fellowship if our current job postings do not perfectly match your profile!
You can find more information about the various opportunities at the website of the graduate school for PhD candidates or the talent factory for Postdocs.
Feel free to submit your application to applications.pft(at)cs.tum.de.
Am TUM Campus Straubing kooperiert die Technische Universität München mit der Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf.