DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Aachen

About us

The DWI – Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials is a federal and state funded research institute of the Leibniz Association based on the Melaten Campus of RWTH Aachen University. International young and experienced scientists from various disciplines develop interactive materials based on the principles of nature. It is a location at which people with different talents, experiences and skills work together, in order to learn from one another and generate new knowledge and new methods to create a better quality of life in our world.

DWI offers you a wide range of possibilities to develop further both professionally and personally in an interdisciplinary setting.

Position

DWI invites applications for a position as

PhD student (f/m/d) in Electrospinning of Hydrogel Fibers for Biomedical Applications

Electrospun hydrogel fibers offer unique versatility. Their mechanical and biochemical properties can be precisely tuned through adjustments in polymer chemistry and crosslinking. By creating fibrous scaffolds that replicate the native ECM network, we can systematically investigate how different cell types respond to defined microenvironments.

Your tasks

• Fabricating hydrogel-based fibrous scaffolds using electrospinning.
• Characterizing their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties.
• Modifying the scaffolds through process parameters, chemical synthesis and crosslinking strategies.
• Performing cell culture experiments to study cellular behavior on different scaffold types.
• Collaborating with industrial partners through regular update meetings and discussions to ensure translational relevance.

This project bridges materials science, bioengineering, and cell biology, contributing to the development of advanced biomaterials for tissue engineering and disease modeling.

Your profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in electrospinning (mandatory).
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and familiarity with standard cell biology techniques (mandatory).
• Background knowledge in polymer chemistry, hydrogel synthesis, or biomaterials characterization is a strong plus.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, and motivation to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment.

DWI offers

• Exciting and challenging tasks with access to internal and external networks, training opportunities, and conferences
• Individual development plans, mentoring programs, and support from experienced specialists
• Open, team-oriented work atmosphere in an international environment
• 30 days of annual leave
• Company pension plan (VBL)
• Flexible, family-friendly working conditions
• Good transportation connection with parking facilities
• Restaurants and cafeterias in close proximity
• Central location near the city center

You can expect a highly motivated team with friendly and competent colleagues, an international and dynamic environment in which everyone can contribute their strengths and skills.

DWI supports the applicant to gain further qualifications. We offer our employees a broad spectrum of career opportunities in an attractive working professional environment (https://www.dwi.rwthaachen.de/seite/institutskultur). DWI supports equal opportunities; an overview on the measures can be found here: https://www.dwi.rwth-aachen.de/en/page/equal-opportunity-and-diversity.

We at the DWI - Leibniz Institute value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social background.

How to apply

Please upload your complete application documents — including your CV, copies of graduation and academic transcript — in electronic form under "Apply for this position.”

By submitting an application, you agree that your data will be processed electronically.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr.-Ing. Rahman Omidinia at Omidinia(at)dwi.rwth.com.

Please note: Only applications submitted through the official application portal will be considered. Do not send application documents by email to this address.