Research assistant for the research field “Sustainable injection molding”

Making the use of plastics sustainable is one of the most pressing tasks of our time. In recent decades, plastics have taken on a central role in almost all areas of our daily lives – from packaging and medical applications to high-tech components in the automotive and electronics industries. Despite the many advantages that plastics offer, we are faced with the considerable ecological challenges that result from improper disposal and the correspondingly limited return to the material cycle. Against this backdrop, the concept of the circular economy, which calls for materials to be kept in a closed cycle and waste to be minimized, is becoming increasingly important. So far, only an insufficient proportion of the plastic waste produced is disposed of and recycled properly. In addition, the available recyclates often contain unknown impurities and foreign polymers, which can vary depending on the batch.

The complex and fluctuating composition of post-consumer recycled materials poses major challenges for product developers and processors, as the processing stability and component quality consistency are reduced compared to virgin material. To meet these challenges, we are looking for reinforcement in the area of sustainable injection molding. The research field combines the focal points of material analysis and characterization with the resulting processing and component properties, taking into account production data. The focus can lie both in material technology solutions (e.g. the use of blends or compatibilizers) and in design or process engineering approaches that facilitate the use of recyclates and in some fields of application may even make it possible in the first place.

• 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 recyclable injection molding technologies.
• As part of this work, you will lead a motivated team of student assistants and supervise publicly funded research projects as well as projects with industry partners and final theses.
• Your area of responsibility includes the development and implementation of new solutions in the field of recyclate analysis and processing, the evaluation of production data and the analysis of material and process influences on the resulting component properties.
• They are actively involved in defining relevant questions and deriving new research ideas.
• You will also be responsible for teaching at RWTH Aachen University.
• They establish and maintain intensive contacts with numerous national and international industrial companies and research institutes.
• Of course, you will represent your specialist area in presentations and lectures at conferences, symposia and in training and further education.

• You have successfully completed or are about to complete a diploma or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, e.g. specializing in plastics engineering or process engineering, or in materials engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry or similar courses at a technical college or university.
• Ideally, you will already have experience in injection molding and be particularly interested in sustainability aspects of processing.
• Knowledge of the material plastic is required.
• You enjoy working independently and are able to work on complex problems in a structured manner.
• You are also open in your dealings with people and have the ability to motivate yourself and others.
• In addition to German, you have a very good command of written and spoken English. We expect you to be confident in using MS Windows and Office.

We offer you an exciting, varied and versatile position in an open-minded, highly motivated team of scientists in which you will work independently.

Your tasks will enable you to have intensive contact with partners from both industry and science. In addition, we offer you the opportunity to do a doctorate in the above-mentioned subject area.

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

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