Research Associate (f/m/d) - catalaix-Junior Principal Investigator in WSS Research Centre catalaix - process engineering for chemical recycling of polymers

RWTH Aachen University

Research Associate (f/m/d) – catalaix-Junior Principal Investigator in WSS Research Centre catalaix – process engineering for chemical recycling of polymers WSS Research Center catalaix

Our Profile

The WSS Research Centre catalaix aims to transform the chemical industry into a multidimensional circular economy with a focus on plastic materials. In an interdisciplinary approach with a focus on catalysis, methods are being developed to transform established linear value chains into circular recycling technologies. We aim to strengthen the catalaix team by creating a catalaix-Junior Principal Investigator (JPI) position in the field of process engineering for chemical recycling of polymers. Our goal is to support young researchers on their path to an academic career. To this end, we offer excellent researchers the opportunity to establish their own research group. The funding amounts to up to 1.5 million euros over a period of up to five years, with an evaluation after four years. The catalaix-JPI will be embedded in the AVT of RWTH Aachen University and be mentored by the four AVT PIs in catalaix. Close collaboration within the catalaix team and especially with the catalaix groups of AVT is expected. Laboratory and office facilities and access to relevant infrastructures will be made available. We are excited to offer close cooperation in a collegial environment. The envisioned catalaix-JPI is expected to greatly benefit from the comprehensive expertise of the catalaix consortium, their guidance while establishing themself as an independent researcher with perspective on a future professorship.

Your Profile

The successful applicant has demonstrated excellence in research through a university degree (master's or equivalent) and a doctoral degree in a related field (e.g., chemical engineering, process engineering, polymer engineering, biotechnology). A competitive track record of scientific publications is expected. Postdoctoral experience is desired, but not required. Willingness and ability to lead a group and cooperate in interdisciplinary teams is essential. Please submit the required documents according to the provided templates at www.catalaix.com/en/catalaix-JPI until 01.09.2025 to application@catalaix.rwth-aachen.de.
The selection of funding recipients takes place on a competitive basis. In case of success, a start latest in Q1 2026 is expected.

Your Duties and Responsibilities

Polymer recycling processes as well as integrated product & process design are a focus within catalaix, combining both model-based optimization and experimental investigation of chemical and biological unit operations. A catalaix‑JPI shall lead world-class research on process engineering complementing these efforts, e.g., focusing on process intensification, process optimization, integrated process/​molecular design, or innovative unit operations. The overarching goal is to increase the efficiency of the different process steps in the open loop regarding energy and material consumption as well as residence time. In that way, the catalaix‑JPI will contribute to the overall goal of intensified and integrated processes for innovative polymer value chains.

What We Offer

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 4 years.
There is an option to extend the position by 1 year.
The fixed-term employment is possible, as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschafts­zeitvertrags­gesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).
This is a full-time position.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV‑L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 14 TV‑L.