PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of biophysics, biochemistry and biomaterials: structure of complex phase-separating liquids

Position:   

PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of biophysics, biochemistry and biomaterials

We are looking for a motivated and team-oriented PhD student starting from 1st March 2026 (earlier or later possible) in the research group of Dr. Charlotta (“Lotta”) Lorenz. Lotta will start her research group at DWI from 1st February on (homepage). Our research group aims to understand and develop soft and biological materials towards biomedical and sustainable applications. We particularly focus on the interplay of liquid and solid components and energy in biological materials and how properties of these materials emerge from their structure.

Your tasks

In this experimental project, we will investigate how the properties of complex, biological liquids arise from liquid-liquid phase separation. The field of liquid-liquid phase or biomolecular condensates has been a growing field during the last two decades. With this project, we will move towards phase-separating droplets with more than one component as they typically occur in physiological conditions.

We will use a variety of techniques, including small-angle X-ray scattering, neutron scattering, light scattering and fluorescence microscopy to unravel the properties of such droplets. The concrete activities during the project will involve protein handling, general laboratory (bio-)chemistry, beamtimes at synchrotrons, data analysis and comparison to expected physics. Due to the complex structure of the composite droplets, we expect emerging effects which can contribute to development of sustainable and biomedical materials. The results will be combined with theoretical modeling and simulations.

Your profile

• Completed studies or about to be completed studies (M.Sc. or comparable) in (bio-)physics, (bio-)chemistry, materials science, mechanical/(bio)chemical engineering or similar fields.
• Highly motivated and team-oriented
• Passion for multidisciplinary research and eagerness to learn new techniques
• Professional skills in the English language

DWI offers

• Exciting and challenging tasks with access to internal and external networks, training opportunities, and conferences
• Individual development plans, mentoring programs, and support from experienced specialists
• Open, team-oriented work atmosphere in an international environment
• 30 days of annual leave
• Company pension plan (VBL)
• Flexible, family-friendly working conditions
• Good transportation connection with parking facilities
• Restaurants and cafeterias in close proximity
• Central location near the city center

DWI supports the applicant to gain further qualifications. We offer our employees a broad spectrum of career opportunities in an attractive working professional environment (https://www.dwi.rwthaachen.de/seite/institutskultur). DWI supports equal opportunities; an overview on the measures can be found here: https://www.dwi.rwth-aachen.de/en/page/equal-opportunity-and-diversity.
   
We at the DWI - Leibniz Institute value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social background.