Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d) – Setup and Operation of Technical Pilot Plants within Research Projects at the CAT Catalytic Center

Weitere Informationen

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
The position is to be filled by 1/1/2026 and offered for a fixed term of 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 13 TV-L.

Unser Profil

The CAT Catalytic Center is a joint research collaboration between RWTH Aachen University and Covestro AG, focused on developing sustainable solutions for plastic production and advancing the circular economy. The Center brings together an international, interdisciplinary team of around 14 dedicated researchers working in a state-of-the-art 400 m² facility.

At the CAT Catalytic Center, scientists work closely with industry partners to explore innovative approaches and transform new molecules into future-ready products. This collaborative environment fosters the exchange of ideas, drives joint developments, and accelerates their translation into real-world applications.

The Center’s core research areas include applied catalytic processes and the design of safe and sustainable polymers, all aimed at enabling a truly circular economy for plastics.

Ihr Profil

• University degree (Master's degree or equiavlent) and, if applicable, a completed PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related Engineering Sciences.
• Solid experience in the design, setup, and operation of laboratory or pilot-scale facilities, particularly involving high-pressure reaction technology.
• Knowledge of advanced analytical techniques and process modeling is a plus.
• Structured and proactive working style, strong communication skills, and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

Ihre Aufgaben

• Cutting-edge research – You will conduct cutting-edge research in the field of circular plastics in close collaboration with both academic and industrial partners.
• Planning and operation of technical equipment and laboratory facilities – You will be responsible for the safe and customized setup and operation of both continuous and batch laboratory-scale plants.
• Presentation and communication – You will present your research results through quarterly reports, presentations, and posters at internal seminars and project meetings with industrial partners, and actively contribute to invention disclosures.

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