Academic staff

03.02.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

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.

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.

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 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.

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@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

Kontakt: applications.pft@cs.tum.de