Research Associate for the Plasma and Surface Engineering Research Division

The core focus of the activities is the further development and testing of a novel prototype system for the inline coating of flexible plastic substrates. The prototype has already been set up in the Laboratory for Plasma and Surface Technology. Unlike conventional batch systems, it enables continuous integration into the film production and processing process chain (“air2air”). The goal is to overcome the technical and economic drawbacks of existing systems and to make PECVD technology for plastic web materials accessible to a broad market.

The project is being carried out in close cooperation with IonKraft GmbH—a spin-off of the IKV that has been developing innovative coating solutions for hollow bodies since 2020. Building on the findings of the Plasma and Surface Technology Working Group, IonKraft is equipping packaging for industrial goods with novel functional coatings. The expansion of the scope of activities to include the coating of web materials is highly relevant both scientifically and economically and is being advanced in collaboration with IonKraft.

• Our research focuses on process and layer development. In this work, we are always operating at the intersection of mechanical engineering, chemistry, and physics, which makes research in this field particularly diverse.
• They establish and maintain close ties with numerous national and international industrial companies and research institutions.
• As head of the working group, you will be responsible for the scientific and financial planning and implementation of research projects in the field of plasma technology related to plastic products.
• As part of this work, you will lead a motivated team of student assistants and supervise not only publicly funded research projects but also projects with industry partners, as well as project theses, bachelor’s theses, and master’s theses.
• You will also be responsible for teaching at RWTH Aachen University and will be in direct contact with our industrial partners.
• You represent your field of expertise in presentations and lectures at conferences, symposia, and in educational and continuing education programs.

• You have successfully completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in mechanical engineering—for example, with a specialization in plastics engineering or process engineering—or in materials engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or similar fields at a technical college or university, or you are about to graduate.
• Ideally, you will already have experience in the field of surface and plasma technology or surface analysis.
• Knowledge of plastics is an advantage, but not essential.
• You enjoy working independently and are able to tackle complex problems in a structured manner.
• In addition, you are open and approachable in your interactions with others and have the ability to motivate yourself and others.
• In addition to German, you have a very good command of spoken and written English. Proficiency with MS Windows and Office is required for our work processes.

We offer you an exciting, varied, and multifaceted role within an open-minded, highly motivated team of scientists, where you will work independently. Thanks to the institute’s extensive equipment in the areas of coating systems and analytics, you’ll have the opportunity to thrive in a technologically advanced and productive environment.

Your responsibilities will allow you to work closely with partners from both industry and academia. In addition, we offer you the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. in the aforementioned field.

Please send your detailed and complete application documents digitally to: bewerbungen@ikv.rwth-aachen.de