For around 15 years, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences has provided an innovative, interdisciplinary and international education to young minds from around the world. Located in the Lower Rhin region of Germany, we offer a total of 37 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in four multidisciplinary faculties: Technology and Bionics, Life Sciences, Society and Economics, and Communication and Environment. International collaboration is a strength of ours, seen and felt in our network of over 90 partner universities in 38 countries. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is connected to the larger world, but also deeply rooted in its Dutch-German EUREGIO regional home.

The ResistCAM research project focuses on the development of innovative and multifunctional materials for advanced camouflage applications. The project aims to establish new material and coating concepts that combine high thermal resistance, durability, and tailored optical, infrared, and electromagnetic properties. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of nanostructured fibres, functional polymer materials, nanomaterials, and advanced surface coatings and on understanding their structure–property relationships. As part of the project, we contribute our expertise in functional materials, nanofibre fabrication, surface engineering, and advanced material characterization. The research activities include the development and optimization of electrospun nanofibre structures and multifunctional coating systems, as well as the investigation of their thermal, mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. The project brings together academic and industrial partners in an interdisciplinary and international research environment, with the aim of translating innovative material concepts into high-performance and application-oriented technologies.

Join our team and help strengthen our university in the Faculty of Technology and Bionics, Kleve Campus, in the following position, to be filled as soon as possible

Research Associate - Advanced Materials, Nanofibers and Functional Coatings

Reference Number 01/F1/26

German TV-L pay scale level EG 13 / fixed-term contract until 31-10-2029 (project-based) / part time with an average of 19,92 weekly hours.

YOUR FUTURE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development of functional polymeric materials, nanofibers, coatings, and hybrid nanocomposites for applications such as EMI shielding and TENG
• Application and investigation of advanced nanomaterials, in particular graphene, MXenes, and other functional nanomaterials
• Planning, conducting, and systematically optimizing laboratory experiments about material composition and process parameters. Characterization of the developed materials using advanced methods, including electrical, thermal, and optical characterizations
• Development and application of computer-aided models and simulations for functional materials, coatings, and related processes. Investigation of adsorption/desorption equilibria and kinetics in porous, fibrous, coated, and nanostructured materials
• Develop predictive relationships between material properties, processing conditions, and system performance. Perform parameter estimation, sensitivity analysis, and process optimization. Link experimental results to theoretical and numerical models and validate them using experimental data
• Analysis and scientific interpretation of research results. Publication of the results in international scientific journals
• Contributing to the development of innovative multifunctional materials and sustainable technical solutions. Collaborating with interdisciplinary, international, and industrial research partners

YOUR SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A completed scientific academic degree (Master or equivalent degree in materials science, chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, or a completed doctoral degree in a relevant field of research
• Electrospinning, nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, MXene), and/or functional or smart coatings for EMI shielding and TENG
• Computer-aided modeling and simulation of materials and processes, for example using Python, MATLAB, COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, or comparable software
• Practical advanced material characterization methods, particularly electrical, thermal, and optical characterizations
• In-depth knowledge in the fields of functional materials, polymers, surface engineering, coatings, and nanomaterials
• Knowledge of adsorption kinetics, adsorption/desorption processes, coating technologies, and mass transfer phenomena. Computer-aided models and simulations for functional materials, coatings, and related processes
• Experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating complex laboratory experiments
• Skills in scientific writing, presenting, and communicating
• Willingness and ability to assume scientific responsibility and to independently drive research activities forward
• German (GER-Skala) B2/C1 Level, English (CEFR) B2/C1 Level
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate successfully on multidisciplinary, international, and industrial research projects
• High motivation, creativity, and initiative, as well as an interest in the development of sustainable and innovative materials and process technologies
• Gender and diversity competence

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

Diversity | Internationality | Certified as a family-friendly university | Mobile working as well as home office | University sports | Collegial, open working atmosphere| Exciting and varied range of tasks | Personal responsibility and creative freedom | opportunities for personal and professional development

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is committed to the professional development and advancement of women. Female candidates are expressly welcomed and encouraged to apply. In accordance with the Gender Equality Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz NRW), in cases of equal suitability, aptitude and professional experience, female candidates shall be given preferential consideration over male candidates for vacancies in areas with proportionally fewer female employees, provided there are no specific, overriding reasons for giving preference to a specific male candidate.

In the event of equal suitability, preferential consideration will also be given to disabled candidates or candidates recognised as such by virtue of Section 2 (3) of the German Code of Social Law, Book IX (SGB IX).

Please submit your application through the following link: and we look forward to receiving your application by no later than 03-11-2026.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact Mr. Ewert at +49(0)2821 80673-175.