Research Associate (PostDoc) (m/f/d) in the field of polymer engineering with the possibility of a Ph.D.

As one of the largest department at the University of Bayreuth, we conduct research on polymer materials and their modification and processing methods. Sustainability is an overarching element of our research work. This includes a holistic view of polymer materials and components along the value chain, use and reuse capabilitiesprojektbear. For a position in a publicly funded research project, we are hiring for the next possible date 

The position is initially limited to 3 years.

Your tasks:

Due to their intrinsic remeltability, thermoplastics offer the potential for a closed material cycle after the use phase. However, one of the biggest problems is still that plastics from closed-loop systems have a diverse and fluctuating chemical composition even after sorting. Using a novel combination of inline analysis and Raman spectroscopy, the research project aims to detect such impurities and derive measures to compensate for them.

Your tasks are situated in the processing of thermoplastic materials that are specifically pre-damaged and contaminated with additives customary in the industry. You implement inline and conventional analysis along the processing process by extrusion and derive correlations between degradation processes in the material and the possible detection of impurities from the analysis results. For this, you will be supported by experienced technical staff. Your main task will be to accompany and optimize the process through the use of digital tools. Numerous process parameters can be obtained live or close to the process during processing. Machine learning is to be used to develop models that can predict the quality target values of the individual recycled materials and, if necessary, improve them by adding virgin material in a controlled manner. In the same way, it should be detected when processed material has to be qualified as rejects.

Your profile:

You have an above-average university degree (Master's or Diploma), preferably in the following technical or scientific disciplines:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering / Plastics Technology
• Chemical Engineering / Process Engineering
• Physics or chemistry with experience in the field of polymers
  
  

If no corresponding experience is available, familiarization with appropriate digital tools (machine learning) is mandatory. Basic knowledge in the field of natural sciences is a basic requirement for the advertised position. Furthermore, you are characterized by an above-average interest in interdisciplinary, scientific issues in plastics technology. You have a high degree of motivation and initiative and convince with a confident appearance and good written and spoken English.

We offer you: 

• Opportunity to do a Ph.D.
• Collaboration in a dynamic, multidisciplinary research team
• Versatile field of tasks in a technically well-equipped laboratory environment
• Innovative scientific activity in combination with application-oriented research
• Exchange with leading companies
• Variety of industrial contacts
• Pleasant working atmosphere, varied social events, coffee-for-free
• Salary according to TV-L (100%)
  
  

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees as an enrichment and is expressly committed to the goal of equal opportunities for all genders. Women are urged 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 "Internationalisation of the University". Preference will be given to persons with severe disabilities if they are equally qualified.

Please apply online with meaningful application documents under the keyword "SpecReK" via our application portal of the University of Bayreuth. The documents will be deleted after the position has been filled in accordance with the requirements of data protection.

If you have any questions, please contact: Tim Scherzer (tim.scherzer@uni-bayreuth.de; tel. 0921/55-7472)