The INM research group Structure Formation is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to work on sustainable carbon materials derived from plastic waste within MaterialNeutral, a newly funded German research initiative.
Project Description:
Carbon black is an indispensable component of numerous everyday products – from car tires and seals to paints and plastics. However, its production is almost entirely based on petroleum, is energy-intensive, and causes significant CO₂ emissions. At the same time, around six million tons of plastic waste are generated every year in Germany alone, much of which is incinerated – resulting in the loss of valuable raw materials and additional CO₂ emissions.
This project aims to develop a high-quality, sustainable alternative to carbon black from previously unused plastic waste via a novel plasma pyrolysis process, for use as a filler in rubber composites. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary consortium of scientists and prominent German materials manufacturers.
At the INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials, the novel carbon material will be analyzed and characterized, focusing on particle structure, dispersibility, and surface chemistry using advanced analytical techniques. The carbon will then be dispersed in elastomers and compared to industrial carbon black references. Dynamical, mechanical, and electrical testing of the composites, as well as accelerated aging studies, will provide quantitative performance comparisons.
Your Tasks:
- Characterize the morphology and surface chemistry of plasma-derived carbon materials.
- Disperse and process carbon materials into polymeric and elastomeric matrices.
- Conduct mechanical, rheological, and electrical testing of composite materials.
- Correlate structure–property relationships using experimental data.
- Publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences.
- Supervise and support graduate and undergraduate students.
Your Profile:
- Excellent PhD in materials science, chemistry, physical chemistry, or engineering.
- Strong experimental skills, laboratory precision, and data management abilities.
- Experience in SAXS, rheology, TGA, gas adsorption, or related analytical methods.
- Proven publication record in high-quality journals.
- Interest in learning new experimental characterization techniques.
- Excellent communication skills (written and spoken) in English.
Benefitial:
- Programming skills (e.g., Python).
- Experience with digital materials science, data organization, and storage.
We Offer:
- A 3-year E13 TV-L 100% contract starting 2025 or 2026, depending on availability.
- A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with excellent, state-of-the-art infrastructure.
- A cooperative, friendly and supportive environment, with plenty of opportunities to interact with other researchers.
- Opportunities for scientific training, conference participation, and career development.
Applications will be accepted until November 15, 2025.
How to Apply:
Please send us the following through the online application system:
- Motivation letter
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Publication list (if available)
- Academic transcripts (B.Sc., M.Sc. and PhD)
- Contact details of 2-3 references
For more information on the institute, please see: https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/
The INM practices an open and appreciative corporate culture in which the existing diversity is promoted and lived. The institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy, and it provides offers for a better work-life balance, flextime, and mobile working. We promote professional opportunities for women and strongly encourage them to apply. Full time jobs can be generally divided. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.
