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 discover new knowledge and new methods to create a better quality of life in our world.

A high priority of DWI is the promotion of young scientists at all career levels. In this context, DWI nurtures Independent Research Groups, led by outstanding junior researchers. A number of ambitious and talented young scientists get the opportunity to establish an Independent Research Group at DWI to build their career and reputation. They have the freedom to develop their own research ideas and are encouraged to apply for grants independently. To be prepared for future leadership positions, they take over the responsibility for their own research team, supervise substantial infrastructure of DWI and are involved in the work of the DWI Scientific Board.

DWI is currently searching for an advanced postdoc aiming for the position of an

Independent Group Leader (f/m/d)

• Your task will be to work towards your own Independent Research Group at the DWI. This includes developing your own, independent research profile, developing new research approaches and project ideas as well as applying for suitable third-party grants. 
• You manage your own research projects and collaborate with existing research groups at the DWI.
• You mentor (PhD) students and participate in teaching activities.
• You take responsibility for specific equipment and/or laboratories at the DWI.
• You participate in scientific conferences and present/publish research results.

• You are a highly talented and committed chemist, biologist or scientist in a related field enthusiastic about developing new materials focusing on new approaches to integrate function and information in materials.
• You have an outstanding academic record in a research field such as polymer mechanochemistry, soft matter information materials, living materials, out-of-equilibrium soft matter systems, magneto-responsive materials, sustainable material systems or data-driven soft matter materials simulation. Your expertise should be complementary to the expertise available in the current DWI research groups.
• You are holding a doctoral degree, you have postdoc experience and you are aiming for the next significant step in your academic career.
• You have excellent written and oral communication skills in English (working language), including the ability to present research findings at scientific conferences and to publish papers in high impact peer-reviewed journals.
• You are a team player who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary environment and is experienced in supervising students.
• You are characterized by a high degree of motivation, flexibility and resilience.
• Analytical thinking, organizational skills and the ability to act independently and on your own responsibility are as natural to you as social skills.

• Access to the DWI infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment and know-how available at the institute
• Financial support enabling initial experiments and building up a small research team (initially two PhD students)
• Mentoring by DWI’s Scientific Board members to help fine-tuning your research ideas
• Time to write proposals to get funding for further assembling your research team and to become an Independent Group Leader
• Collaborative projects together with other scientists at DWI and beyond, with the goal of building a network and obtaining additional funds
• Flexible and family-friendly working conditions
• An open and team-oriented working atmosphere in an international environment and the support of a very dedicated team
• An advantageous location of the research institute in a stimulating scientific environment, including RWTH Aachen University, several non-university research institutions and the Uniklinik RWTH Aachen.

The full-time position is available immediately. The position is timely-limited. If you are interested and open to new professional challenges, we look forward to receiving your application. Please upload your complete application documents under "Apply". By submitting your application, you agree to the electronic processing of your data.

The DWI values diversity and therefore welcomes all applications – regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social origin. We offer our employees a wide range of career opportunities in an appealing working environment and have established various measures to ensure equal opportunities and to improve the compatibility of work and family. The salary is based on the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L). If you have any questions about the position, please contact Dr. Janine Hillmer ( hillmer@dwi.rwth-aachen.de ).

For more information about the DWI, please visit our homepage at www.dwi.rwth-aachen.de.