GRK 2948 (Stuttgart) Mechanical-Electrical Coupling of Mixed Conducting Polymer Materials
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Posted on:
23-10-2025
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
| Position-ID: | 1782 |
| Faculty/ Facility: | SC SimTech; Chemistry; Civil- and Environmental Engineering |
| Institute/ Facility: | Chemistry : IPOC - Institute of Polymer Chemistry Civil- and Environmental Engineering : MIB - Institute of Applied Mechanics (Civil Engineering) |
| Research Association: | GRK 2948: Mixed Ionic-Electronic Transport |
| Teaching Obligation: | Yes |
| Application deadline: | 12/15/2025 |
| Anticipated Start Date: | 04/01/2026 |
The DFG-funded Research Training Group Mixed Ionic-Electronic Transport (GRK 2948) is an interdisciplinary structured doctoral programme at Heidelberg University and the University of Stuttgart. We explore how ions and electrons interact with each other in organic hybrid and nanoscale materials with the aim to create new functionalities for sensors soft actuators and bioelectronics.
Pursuing a doctoral degree within this Research Training Group offers you a combination of fundamental and applied research topics close collaboration across disciplines in a collaborative and diverse environment exchanges with international partners and a tailored qualification programme. It will enable you to pursue a successful career within the fast-expanding field of mixed ionic-electronic conductors which are applied in functional opto-electronic electrochemical and bioelectronic devices.
Exciting research projects from theory to synthesis and device engineering are either located at Heidelberg University or the University of Stuttgart.
Project Description
We are looking for a joint doctoral researcher to work on an interdisciplinary project on the mechanical-electrical coupling of doped conducting polymer films. Applications in actuators for soft robotics and flexible electrical devices are targeted.
The project focuses on establishing doping strategies for mixed conducting polymer films which can be rheologically characterized with dynamic mechanical analysis. Direct correlations with the electrical properties shall be developed during the project. For accessing differently doped states chemical doping will be compared with electrochemical doping. The complex interplay between dopants/counter-ions on the properties of the macroscopic doped films shall be elucidated. Atomic force microscopy will be used to monitor local morphology and conductivity changes. Nanoindentation shall further help to locally study the mechanical properties.
For the project a background in nano and materials science chemical engineering or physics is beneficial. The work will involve testing different doping strategies applying advanced electrochemistry techniques electrical and thermal characterization and setup of in-situ rheology techniques (e.g. rheology coupling with electrochemistry).
Close collaboration with the other doctoral researchers within the Ludwigs and Steeb teams and the Kemerink team from Heidelberg University within the GRK2948 is expected.
Main Advisor: Prof. Dr. Sabine Ludwigs & Prof. Holger Steeb
Ludwigs Group Website Steeb Group Website Functional Soft Materials Lab
Location/Institute: University of Stuttgart Functional Soft Materials Lab SC SimTech Pfaffenwaldring 55 D-70569 Stuttgart
General requirements
- Very good Masters degree (or equivalent) in chemistry physics materials sciences/engineering or similar subject
- Being able to work and communicate in interdisciplinary and international research environments
- Excellent English skills (written verbal)
- Commitment to a structured doctoral programme with additional courses eventsoutreach activities and opportunities for collaborations
- Previous research experience in any related field is highly welcome
Documents to be provided as pdfs:
- Bachelor and Master certificates (in English or German) with transcripts
- Curriculum vitae (max 3 pages)
- One-page motivation letter explaining your reasons for wanting to join this RTG please specify and explain your choice of project
- Letter of recommendation from the supervisor of your master thesis (if available)
Submit your documents by 15th December 2025 (latest)
You might be invited for online and on-site interviews depending on pre-screening.
We offer temporary employment contracts for up to 42 months (75% TVL-E13) starting in April 2026. Enrolment to pursue a doctoral degree at the corresponding faculties based on their requirements is mandatory in addition to joining the Research Training Group.
Heidelberg University and the University of Stuttgart stand for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on the collection of personal data is available atJob market Heidelberg University.
Type of Funding:Position as Employee at the University of Stuttgart
Compensation:
Location:Stuttgart Campus Vaihingen
If Location other than Stuttgart or additional location(s): N/A
Mail:
Phone:
Website: targetblank> Not translated in selected language
Key Skills
- Shipping & Receiving
- Order Management System
- Inventory Control
- Microsoft Access
- Forklift
- SAP
- Supply Chain Experience
- Warehouse Experience
- Materials Handling
- Supplier Management
- Materials Management
- MRP
