PhD Position – Role of Topology on Polymer Dynamics in Rings and Their Blends – Synthesis and Neutron Scattering Study

Ring polymers are macromolecules with one key distinguishing feature: they have no ends. This seemingly trivial fact has significant consequences for molecular conformation, dynamics and material properties. This highly interdisciplinary PhD project involves synthesising ring polymers and studying them systematically using a combination of neutron scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods. During the initial stage, you will synthesise ring polymers using anionic polymerisation techniques. You will also develop new linking chemistries and purification processes. The physics part of the project will focus on the structure and dynamics of ring polymers in different topological environments, providing experimental evidence for phenomena predicted by theory and computer simulations. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) will be employed to examine the conformation of ring molecules in various topological environment. Neutron spin echo (NSE) spectroscopy will be employed to examine the dynamic properties of the rings at the chain level. The results of this research are important in biology and materials science, where topology plays a significant role. This project is supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and involves collaborating with TU Ilmenau to perform NMR measurements on the same systems.

Your Job

• Synthesis of polymer rings
• Characterization of the polymer rings
• Performing the neutron scattering experiment and data analysis

Your Profile

• Master's degree in chemistry, physics, or related fields
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team are essential
• Very good command of written and spoken English will be required for the international working environment (at least B2 level according to the CEFR: ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level

Our Benefits for You

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
• Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
• Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
• Supervision & Support: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
• Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
• Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates
• Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. Additionally, you will receive a special payment (“Christmas bonus”) amounting to 60% of one month’s salary. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the (pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)
• Fixed-term: The position is limited to 3 years
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options:

Place of Employment: Jülich

Start Date: To the next possible date

Salary: Pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled.