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The Collaborative Research Center 1459 Intelligent Matter: From Responsive to Adaptive Nanosystems funded by the German Research Foundation and established at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill a position for a

Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin, salary level E 13 TV-L, part-time)

**commencing on 1 December 2026. We are offering a fixed-term part-time position (67%), initially limited to three years, to qualify for a doctorate degree in the natural sciences.

Intelligence is the ability to perceive information and to retain it as knowledge to be applied towards adaptive behaviour in a changing environment. The CRC 1459 is inspired by the question whether synthetic matter can have intelligent properties. The CRC 1459 and its integrated research training group offer an outstanding infrastructure and a comprehensive and interdisciplinary training program in the design and study of intelligent matter. The program will enable the doctoral researchers to carry out frontier research and empower them for future research and management tasks in industry and academia. The doctoral researcher positions form part of an intensive and interdisciplinary research program on the conceptualization and realization of intelligent matter.

Specifically, in this project, we aim to develop intelligent components for soft robotics with the aim to create self-learning and adaptive soft actuators and soft robotic systems. This project will explore new hybrid materials in design and create electrically driven components that can change their properties to adapt autonomously to new situations. The project involves research at University of Münster (Prof. Ravoo) and University of Twente (Prof. Nijhuis) in collaboration with the soft Robotics Lab (Prof. Sadeghi). More information on the research program of CRC 1459 is available at:**

Your tasks:

• Experimental research on soft actuators in project B06 of the CRC 1459.
• Collaboration with other research groups within the CRC 1459.
• Active participation in structured PhD program of the associated research training group
• This position is tied to working towards a doctorate

Our expectations:

Requirements for the position:

• A highly motivated and talented doctoral researcher with a graduate degree in chemical engineering or a related discipline (i.e. MSc degree).
• Knowledge of designing, coding, rapid prototyping are required.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English is essential.
• Independent and responsible work attitude is a must.
• Good communication skills and team spirit are highly desirable.

Advantages for you:

• A vibrant, interdisciplinary environment with outstanding facilities and a track record of intense and successful scientific collaboration.
• A stimulating environment for professional success including lectures, colloquia, workshops and symposia in addition to individual training trough research
• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our ensure a healthy work-life balance.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (), an and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports . We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your complete CV, a recommendation letter, and a motivation letter (maximum 1 page) by 11 September 2026. Please send your application electronically in PDF format to with reference number PhD2026.

Reference number: 2026_08_21