Research Associate (m/f/d) (TV-L E13, 100 %) in the field of development of novel preceramic polymers

The Chair of Ceramic Materials Engineering offers a full-time position as

The position is to be occupied for a period of three years, starting as soon as possible. An extension is being sought.

The processing of ceramics through the pyrolysis of preceramic polymers (so-called precursors) is an alternative method to conventional powder techniques. The main advantages are the high chemical modifiability, chemical purity, a homogeneous element distribution in the resulting ceramic, comparatively low processing temperatures, and the use of plastics processing methods. This potential of precursor technology will be utilized in the funded project within the framework of the Bavaria's Nuclear Fusion Mission to develop extremely temperature-stable ceramics specifically for use in fusion reactors. It is important to synthesize polymers based on simple chemical compounds that are processable, can be crosslinked to form thermosets, and can ultimately be converted into ceramics through pyrolysis. This work is accompanied by comprehensive analytical and materials science characterization of the preceramic polymers, the resulting ceramics, and all intermediates. The application-oriented research project is being carried out in cooperation with the relevant chemistry departments at the University of Bayreuth.

Your tasks:

Your main focus will be on the following topics:

• Synthesis of novel preceramic polymers based on refractory metals
• Evaluation of crosslinking reactions to thermosets Production of ceramic materials via pyrolysis up to 2000 °C
• Characterization of molecular and polymer precursors (including IR, NMR)
• Investigation of ceramization behavior (TGA) Microstructure elucidation and phase determination using SEM, EDX, XRD, and others
• Project management and presentation of results Authorization of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Supervision of student work and equipment
• Networking with peer-reviewed colleagues nationally and internationally
• Support in acquiring third-party funding
• Participation in academic teaching (5 semester hours per week)

What you should bring with you:

• You have a very good university degree (diploma/master's degree) in natural sciences or materials science, e.g., chemistry, physics, or materials science.
• You enjoy scientific and goal-oriented work in a polymer and ceramics environment and are strongly interested in the synthesis and processing of polymers.
• You impress with your communicative personality, teamwork skills, proactive commitment, reliability, independent working style, and curiosity.
• You have a professional demeanor, good German language skills, and fluent written and spoken English.

We offer:

• A variety of tasks with a great deal of creative freedom and personal responsibility
• The opportunity for scientific qualification (doctorate Dr.-Ing. or Dr. rer. nat., additional scientific achievements) with individual supervision
• The opportunity to contribute significantly to the further development of the Chair's research activities
• A working atmosphere characterized by a culture of active participation in an excellently equipped laboratory environment in a new research building
• An innovative scientific work in combination with application-oriented research and regular exchange with project partners
• The cooperation in a modern, very research active and third-party funded chair, a multitude of industrial contacts and excellent career prospects

The University of Bayreuth appreciates the diversity of its employees as an enrichment and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Club "Familie in der Hochschule e.V." and has successfully participated in the HRK audit "Internationalization of the University". Persons with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Please apply online with meaningful application documents by November 23, 2025 using the key word "PDC Fusion" via our online application portal (Online-Bewerbungsportal). The documents will be deleted after the position has been filled according to the data protection requirements.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Günter Motz (guenter.motz@uni-bayreuth.de, Tel.: 0921/ 55-6509).

Please address your application to:

Professor Dr.-Ing. Stefan Schafföner 
Lehrstuhl Keramische Werkstoffe 
Universität Bayreuth 
Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1
95447 Bayreuth
Germany