Research Assistant/Associate - Postdoctoral Research Position in Pavement Materials and Structural Engineering (f/m/d)

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 initially for 3 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 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 Institute for Highway Engineering at RWTH Aachen University (ISAC) is committed to sustainable and digital transport infrastructure. As a research institution, we therefore focus on the development and use of modern technologies and processes in the field of road infrastructure. Currently, one of the institute's main areas of focus is bituminous materials and asphalt durability.

The Institute of Highway Engineering is seeking a qualified and motivated postdoctoral researcher to strengthen its research in bituminous materials and asphalt durability. This position focuses on understanding and improving the chemical, rheological, and mechanical behaviour of bituminous binders and mixtures, including the development of innovative bio-based and sustainable binder systems. The research aims to link chemical ageing, oxidation, and moisture effects to mechanical performance, supported by advanced laboratory testing, micro-analytical methods, and data-driven evaluation.

Ihr Profil

University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) and a completed Doctorate (PhD or Dr.-Ing.) in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline with emphasis on bituminous materials or polymer composites

Demonstrated experience in at least three of the following areas:

• Rheological testing and analysis (e.g., DSR, BBR, MSCR)
• Chemical and spectroscopic characterisation (FTIR, DSC, TGA, AFM)
• Ageing and durability assessment of bituminous materials
• Binder modification and bio-based additives development
• Modelling and data analysis of material behaviour
• Solid analytical and laboratory skills; experience with Python or MATLAB is advantageous
• Excellent written and spoken English; German knowledge is an asset but not required
• Motivation for interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring, and scientific publishing

Ihre Aufgaben

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to research activities in bituminous materials, rheology, and ageing mechanisms, which may include:

• Advanced rheological and chemical characterization (e.g., DSR, FTIR, AFM, environmental ageing)
• Investigation of binder–aggregate interaction and interfacial phenomena
• Development and evaluation of rejuvenators, biobinders, and functional additives
• Modelling of chemical and rheological ageing processes and their influence on mixture performance
• Correlation between laboratory ageing and field performance
• Integration of chemical and mechanical data for durability prediction
• Contribution to sustainable pavement materials and circular construction strategies
• Plan and coordinate experimental programmes and supervise PhD or master students
• Analyse relationships between ageing, moisture sensitivity, and mechanical performance
• Develop and publish original research results in peer-reviewed journals
• Contribute to the preparation of new project proposals and research initiatives
• Present findings at national and international conferences
• Support ISAC’s modernised materials and accelerated pavement testing laboratories

The position offers the opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary, international research team and to contribute to both ongoing and newly funded projects at ISAC.

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