Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d) Quasielastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) Using Neutrons to Observe the Molecular Diffusion of Water on Nanoparticle Surfaces

Jägerstraße 17-19, 52066 Aachen, Deutschland

Weitere Informationen

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 one year.
It is planned to extend the contract for another two years.
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 part-time contract position.
The standard weekly hours will be 26,55 hours.
The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

Unser Profil

The Institute of Crystallography at RWTH Aachen University conducts research at the interface between chemistry, physics, geosciences and materials science. Our research aims to gain a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of nanoscale solid-liquid interfaces, which are important in catalysis, energy and nanomaterials, and our environment. To achieve this, we use and develop state-of-the-art X-ray and neutron scattering methods, both in the laboratory and at large-scale research facilities.

Project description. Interfaces between iron oxide nanoparticles and water are of importance in photocatalysis, biomedicine, nanotechnology and industrial catalysts. The general understanding of physicochemical properties in nanostructured interfaces is still poor, but highly relevant to optimize applications. In this project we aim to investigate the dynamics of water and organic molecules on surfaces of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. We want to generate a fundamental understanding of diffusion dynamics at nanostructured interfaces. To measure the interesting dynamic processes, we use quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) at large international research facilities.

We offer.

The possibility of a doctorate.
Travel to major international research institutions and conferences.
Access to a strong research network at RWTH Aachen University and the Jülich Research Center, including the Ernst Ruska Center for Electron Microscopy.
Possibility of flexible working.
Individual supervision and regular working group meetings.
Newly renovated laboratory and office spaces.

Applications must be submitted as one PDF-file via email in German or English and must include

Letter motivating the application and background for this position
CV
MSc and BSc certificate, study diploma, transcripts of records
If applicable, up to two letters of recommendation or contacts for references

Ihr Profil

University degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, materials science or related field of study.
Experience in wet chemical laboratory work, physicochemical characterization and preferred X-ray or neutron scattering.
Knowledge in scientific programming (Origin, Igor Pro, Python).
High motivation for further education, independent and goal-oriented work.
Very good command of English (written and spoken), knowledge of German desirable.
In addition, you are interested in further scientific qualification (PhD).

Ihre Aufgaben

As a PhD student you will work on the research project with the tasks:

Synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles with different ligands and sizes, as well as sample preparation for experiments at neutron facilities.
Characterization of the nanoparticles with e.g. TGA, IR, vapor sorption, or XRD.
Experiments at neutron sources.
Analysis and interpretation of the experimental data, e.g. with Python, Igor Pro, Origin.
Publication of results in scientific journals and presentation at conferences.

Über uns

RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. Employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and civil servants have access to an extensive range of further training courses and the opportunity to purchase a job ticket.
RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are underrepresented at the University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is strongly committed to encouraging women in their careers. Female applicants are given preference if they are equally suitable, competent, and professionally qualified, unless a fellow candidate is favored for a specific reason.
As RWTH is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application.
You can find information on the personal data we collect from applicants in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at http://www.rwth-aachen.de/dsgvo-information-bewerbung.

Besoldung / Entgelt

EG 13 TV-L