Summary
The Chair of Biochemical Engineering (AVT.BioVT) at RWTH Aachen University is seeking a motivated Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d) to join the Industrial Biotechnology Group. This doctoral position focuses on developing and scaling up innovative biological production processes to advance a sustainable plastics economy. The position offers an opportunity to conduct research toward a PhD, funded under the German public service pay scale (TV-L EG 13).
Designation
- Title: Research Assistant / Associate (Doctoral Candidate / PhD Position) (f/m/d)
- Job Reference Number: V000011407
Position Overview
| Detail | Information |
| University / Institute | RWTH Aachen University, Aachener Verfahrenstechnik (AVT) |
| Department / Chair | Chair of Biochemical Engineering (AVT.BioVT) |
| Lead Professor | Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jørgen Barsett Magnus |
| Degree Level | Doctoral Degree / PhD |
| Contract Type | Part-time (26.33 hours/week), fixed-term for 1 year (planned extension to 3 years total) |
| Remuneration / Pay Scale | TV-L EG 13 (German Public Service Salary Scale) |
| Location | Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
Research Area
- Biochemical Engineering & Industrial Biotechnology: Optimization and scale-up of innovative bioprocesses for a sustainable plastics economy, conversion of waste streams, and pilot-scale process evaluation.
Location
- City: Aachen, Germany
- Address: AVT – Aachener Verfahrenstechnik, Forckenbeckstraße 51, 52074 Aachen
Eligibility / Qualification
- Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in (Bio)process Engineering, Biotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Core Competencies: Strong foundational knowledge and expertise in biotechnology and/or bioprocess engineering.
- Preferred Experience: Prior hands-on experience with bioprocess scale-up or biological conversion of waste streams is advantageous (not mandatory).
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English (required); proficiency in German is desired.
- Soft Skills: High degree of self-reliance, determination, strong team orientation, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Scholarship / Position Description & Benefits
- Core Responsibilities:
- Independent research on optimizing and scaling biological production processes up to pilot scale.
- Utilizing advanced measuring systems and overarching infrastructure at the chair.
- Writing and publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Presenting project findings at national and international conferences.
- Supervising student projects/theses and assisting in academic teaching.
- Benefits & Environment:
- Opportunity to complete a doctoral degree (Dr.-Ing. / Dr. rer. nat.).
- Regular employment under the collective agreement for the public service (TV-L).
- Access to comprehensive university continuing education programs, health initiatives (Campus Health), university sports facilities, and the option to acquire a subsidized commuter transit pass (Jobticket).
How to Apply
- Prepare application documents:
- Cover letter outlining motivation and research interests
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) without a photo (in accordance with RWTH’s equal opportunity guidelines)
- Degree certificates, transcripts of records, and letters of reference
- Combine all documents into a single PDF file.
- Submit the application via email or by post to:
Mailing Address:
RWTH Aachen University
Lehrstuhl für Bioverfahrenstechnik (AVT.BioVT)
Prof. Dr. Jørgen Barsett Magnus
Forckenbeckstraße 51
52074 Aachen, Germany
Contact Persons:
- Prof. Dr. Jørgen Barsett Magnus:
+49 241 80-23569- Dr. Valentin Steier:
+49 241 80-23563
Last Date for Apply
- August 31, 2026
