Career & Job Opportunities

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) at Campus Straubing is looking for a

PhD (f/m/d) in Polymer Science/Chemistry

funded by ERC StG with excellent opportunities for both research and career development.
 

About us

Our research focuses on extracting and isolating bio-based polymers such as cellulose and proteins from renewable feedstocks and waste streams. We aim to develop sustainable processes to convert these materials into high-performance fibers and functional materials. By manipulating molecular interactions through chemical and physical methods, we tailor the structural and mechanical properties of bio-based materials to advance the potential of biopolymers in various applications.

Project description

Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on earth and offers significant potential for applications such as sustainable packaging materials and textiles. However, its use in mass production is limited by its inability to melt like conventional thermoplastics. This limitation arises from the strong intermolecular bonding within cellulose: upon heating between 240 °C and 350 °C, cellulose begins to decompose rather than transitioning into a meltable phase.
LaserCell funded by ERC StG envisions an innovative approach to reshape and rearrange cellulose at the molecular level by disrupting cohesive interactions through resonant excitation of specific bonds. It will revolutionize the field of biopolymer processing beyond cellulose and yield fundamental insights into supramolecular structure and dynamics in biomaterials.

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate with the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in polymer science, chemistry, materials science, or materials engineering, or a closely related field
• Experience with cellulose and its processing technologies e.g. fiber spinning, extrusion, as well as characterization methods, e.g. GPC, NMR is an advantage
• Strong willingness to contribute to the setup and management of laboratory infrastructure
• Fluency in English, particularly in scientific writing and communication, is required
• Practical, hands-on skills and technical competence are highly valued, especially given that the laboratory is in the expansion phase

We offer

We offer excellent working conditions within a young and interdisciplinary team. In an open and collaborative environment, you will have the freedom to develop and pursue your own ideas. Located at the gateway to the Bavarian Forest, Straubing—a historic ducal town on the Danube—is a leading center for renewable materials and sustainability technologies in Germany.
This position offers a three-year contract (65% E13 TV-L) with the possibility of extension. You will benefit from international collaboration opportunities, especially in the Nordic countries, as well as conference participation and research in a modern, well-equipped laboratory environment.
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women and individuals who can contribute to the diversity of the university’s research and teaching. Preference will be given to candidates with disabilities who have equivalent qualifications.

Join us!

To apply this position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English via email to applications.pft(at)cs.tum.de:

• CV including publications
• A max one page motivation letter
• Degree certificates and academic transcripts
• Contact details of two referees

The deadline for application is March 1st, 2026. For more information about PFT group, please check on our website Particle and Fiber Technology.

The newly established research group in Particle and Fiber Technology for bio-based Materials, led by Prof. Dr. Wenwen Fang, is seeking a highly motivated

PhD in Biopolymer-based Materials (f/m/d)

As a PhD researcher you join our team at the Technical University of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology
and Sustainability (TUMCS). This is a household position funded by the university with excellent
opportunities for both research and career development

About the Research Group

Our research focuses on extracting and isolating bio-based polymers such as cellulose and proteins from renewable feedstocks and waste streams. We aim to develop sustainable processes to convert these materials into high-performance fibers and functional materials. By manipulating molecular interactions through chemical and physical methods, we tailor the structural and mechanical properties of bio-based materials to advance the potential of biopolymers in various applications.

Project description

Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on earth and offers significant potential for applications such as sustainable packaging materials and textiles. However, its use in mass production is limited by its inability to melt like conventional thermoplastics. This limitation arises from the strong intermolecular bonding within cellulose: upon heating between 240 °C and 350 °C, cellulose begins to decompose rather than transitioning into a meltable phase.
LaserCell funded by ERC StG envisions an innovative approach to reshape and rearrange cellulose at the molecular level by disrupting cohesive interactions through resonant excitation of specific bonds. It will revolutionize the field of biopolymer processing beyond cellulose and yield fundamental insights into supramolecular structure and dynamics in biomaterials.

Key Responsibilities

• Fiber Spinning Lab Development: Develop and optimize biopolymer-based fiber spinning processes (e.g., dry-jet wet spinning, core shell fiber spinning) using materials such as cellulose and proteins. Establish and refine experimental protocols, troubleshooting basic lab infrastructure related to spinning and fiber characterization.
• Teaching Support: Assist in preparing and delivering course exercises and laboratory sessions, including setup of experiments, instructional materials, and guidance on laboratory practice.
• Student Supervision: Guide and support students during their thesis work and internship.
• Research: Conduct innovative research on sustainable and functional fibers, with the flexibility to explore new research topics within this field.

This position provides a unique opportunity to build a state-of-the-art fiber spinning lab and a balance in
lab development, teaching and research. The research topic is flexible, allowing the successful candidate
to contribute their own ideas and innovations within the scope of bio-based fiber materials.

Qualification

We are looking for a candidate with the following qualifications:

• Master in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Physics, Material Science/ Engineering
• Experience with bio-based polymers and their processing technologies is an advantage
• Proven ability or willingness to contribute to the setup and management of laboratory infrastructure
• Strong communication skills in both written and spoken English.
• Basic knowledge in mechanical engineering or experience with fiber spinning equipment is an advantage.

What We Offer

• Research Freedom: Flexibility to explore different research topics within sustainable fibers
• Career Development: Opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a new research laboratory and develop leadership skills
• Teaching Experience: Gain valuable teaching experience at one of Germany’s leading technical universities
• Collaborative Environment: Work in a highly interdisciplinary and dynamic environment at the TUM Straubing Campus, focused on sustainability and renewable resources
• Salary: 65% TV-L E13 pay scale, 3 years contract, with possibility of extension
• As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women as well as from all others who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications

Join us!

To apply this position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English via email to applications.pft(at)cs.tum.de:

• CV including publications
• Letter of motivation, maximum 1 page
• Degree certificates and academic transcripts
• Contact details of two referees

The deadline for application is March 1^st, 2026. For more information about PFT group, please check on our website Particle and Fiber Technology

Ein Forschungsschwerpunkt unserer Arbeitsgruppe ist die Modellierung und Behandlung von wässrigen Elektrolytsystemen. In einem Kooperationsprojekt mit der städtischen Kläranlage Straubing untersuchen wir neue, nicht-biologische Verfahren zur Absenkung der Nitratrestbelastung im Ablauf. Dabei sollen innovative thermische und elektrochemische Ansätze entwickelt werden, welche vorhandene Nebenproduktströme aus einem anhängigen Chemiebetrieb nutzen. Es handelt sich um ein neu startendes Verbundvorhaben mit einem spannenden Team aus fünf Forschungsgruppen. Sie arbeiten in einem Forschungsfeld, das hochgradig innovativ ist, wichtige Beiträge zu einer nachhaltigen Kreislaufwirtschaft liefert und Ihnen wichtige Kernkompetenzen für zukünftige Betätigung als Forschungsingenieur (m/w/d) vermittelt. 

Contact Person

The Chair of Biogenic Functional Materials at the Technical University of Munich is seeking an engineer, materials scientist or physicist to bolster research activities in optoelectronics and advanced spectroscopic and optical techniques and methodologies. Our research focuses on designing proteinbased materials for energy-related optoelectronic technologies, such as lighting, photovoltaics, and photothermoelectrics. We also teach courses on materials science and engineering, optics, electronic spectroscopy, mechanical and thermal analysis, and optoelectronics at the bachelor's and master's levels. The TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability is our home since 2020. It provides an excellent, dynamic environment with top-notch research facilities, modern teaching spaces, and a welcoming, open, multicultural atmosphere that fosters growth for students, scientists, and teachers alike.

Offer

We offer a deep immersion in bio-based energy technologies; the candidate will learn and live the translational perspective of designing biomaterials for sustainable energy-related applications every day. Situated on the Bavarian Forest gate, Straubing as the old ducal town on the Danube, is the intellectual hub for renewable raw materials and technologies for sustainability in Germany. TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability offers scientific and academic excellence in a student-friendly and fresh environment. The successful applicant will hold a 2-year contract with the possibility to expand it. We offer a competitive salary and benefits depending on work experience and seniority in accordance with the public service wage agreement of the Free State of Bavaria - TV-L E13. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women, as well as from all people who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications.

Your tasks

• Research on optoelectronics and advanced spectroscopic and optical techniques and methodologies.
• Participation on courses in the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs and implementation of Bachelor's and Master's theses (English).
• Development and operation of scientific equipment and methodologies focused on optoelectronics and advanced spectroscopic and optical techniques and methodologies.
• Assistance in the supervision of PhDs (English).
• Assistance on the organizational and administrative tasks (e.g. laboratory planning).
• Collaboration in research projects and involvement in the application for third-party funding.

Application 

We are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive application, including your letter of motivation (1 page), CV (with complete contact information for two references), complete list of publications, participation in projects, and awards/recognitions in English in a single PDF file, via email to biofunmat@cs.tum.de . Please indicate only “PD_opto” in the subject line

Contact Person

The Chair of Biogenic Functional Materials at the Technical University of Munich is seeking a biologist, biochemist, or chemist to bolster research activities in the interface between organic chemistry, synthetic biology, and physical chemistry with a strong focus on organic chemistry (small molecules, supramolecular protein functionalization) and characterization for optics and photonics. Our research focuses on designing multifunctional molecules to bring new functionalities to protein-DNA hybrid materials for optics and photonics purposes. Thus, we teach courses on organic chemistry, protein engineering and chemistry, materials science, optics, electronic spectroscopy, mechanical and thermal analysis, and optoelectronics. The TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability is our new home since 2020. It provides an excellent, dynamic environment with top-notch research facilities, modern teaching spaces, and a welcoming, open, multicultural atmosphere that fosters growth for students, scientists, and teachers alike.

Offer 

We offer a deep immersion in protein-DNA assemblies and their possible applications; the candidate will learn and live the translational perspective of designing biomaterials for the sustainable transformation of optical, photonic, and optoelectronic technologies. Situated on the Bavarian Forest gate, Straubing as the old ducal town on the Danube, is the intellectual hub for renewable raw materials and technologies for sustainability in Germany. TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability offers scientific and academic excellence in a student-friendly and fresh environment. The successful applicant will hold a 3-year contract with the possibility to expand it for another year. We offer a competitive salary and benefits depending on work experience and seniority in accordance with the public service wage agreement of the Free State of Bavaria - DFG basis in the new excellence cluster BioSysteM. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women, as well as from all people who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications.

Your tasks

• Research on the design and synthesis of new multifunctional molecules, assembly of proteinDNA hybrids and their purification thereof.
• Research on spectroscopy and structural analysis using experimental and computational methodologies.
• Participation on courses in the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs and implementation of Bachelor's and Master's theses (English).

Application

We are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive application, including your letter of motivation (1 page), CV (with complete contact information for two references), complete list of publications, participation in projects, and awards/recognitions in English in a single PDF file, via email to biofunmat@cs.tum.de . Please indicate only “PhD_ protein-DNA” in the subject line.

Contact Person

The Chair of Biogenic Functional Materials at the Technical University of Munich is seeking a materials science, chemist, or biochemist to bolster research activities in the interface between polymer-protein hybrids, physical chemistry, and solar energy conversion technologies with a strong focus on materials science (biogenic composites, optical/spectroscopic/microscopy/thermal characterization) and fabrication and characterization of sustainable solar cells. Our research focuses on designing multifunctional protein-polymer coatings to solve limitations in current solar cell technologies. Thus, we teach sustainable material science and engineering, protein engineering and chemistry, optics, electronic spectroscopy, mechanical and thermal analysis, and energy-related optoelectronics. The TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability is our new home since 2020. It provides an excellent, dynamic environment with top-notch research facilities, modern teaching spaces, and a welcoming, open, multicultural atmosphere that fosters growth for students, scientists, and teachers alike.

Offer

We offer a deep immersion in polymer-protein hybrids, physical chemistry, and solar energy conversion technologies; the candidate will learn and live the translational perspective of designing biomaterials for the sustainable transformation of energy-related technologies. Situated on the Bavarian Forest gate, Straubing as the old ducal town on the Danube, is the intellectual hub for renewable raw materials and technologies for sustainability in Germany. TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability offers scientific and academic excellence in a student-friendly and fresh environment. The successful applicant will hold a 3-year contract with the possibility to expand it for another year. We offer a competitive salary and benefits depending on work experience and seniority in accordance with the public service wage agreement of the Free State of Bavaria – TVL13 basis in the new European Project BioSinFin. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women, as well as from all people who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications.

Your tasks

•    Research on the design, preparation and characterization of new protein-polymer composites/coatings for optics and photonics.
•    Research on the integration and characterization of protein-polymer coatings and materials in solar energy conversion technologies.
•    Research on spectroscopy, thermal and structural analysis using experimental and computational methodologies.
•    Participation on courses in the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs and implementation of Bachelor's and Master's theses (English).

Participation on courses in the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs and implementation of Bachelor's and Master's theses (English).
 

Application

We are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive application, including your letter of motivation (1 page), CV (with complete contact information for two references), complete list of publications, participation in projects, and awards/recognitions in English in a single PDF file, via email to biofunmat(at)cs.tum.de . Please indicate only “PhD_ protein-polymer” in the subject line.

Contact Person

The Chair of Circular Economy and Sustainability Assessment at the TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability aims at contributing to the transition to sustainable industry and society through Bioeconomy (BE) and Circular Economy (CE) approaches. Thereby we focus on developing quantitative approaches to model, assess and optimize BE and CE systems. To support our team we are looking for a

Research Associate (PhD student or PostDoc) (m/f/d)

Key activities

In research you carry out interdisciplinary and application oriented research projects. You work especially on the life cycle sustainability analysis, the modelling of the transition of economic sectors towards a CE and / or the optimization of BE and CE systems. In doing so you apply and further develop methods from Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, Material Flow Analysis, Input-Output Modelling and / or agent-based modelling. Focal areas of your work comprise the circular carbon economy, esp. technologies for chemical recycling and carbon dioxide removal, and / or AI in Sustainability Assessment. Moreover, you support the chair’s teaching activities by preparing lecture and tutorial materials, holding tutorials, and advising students. 

Qualification 

As a suitable candidate, you hold a very good PhD or master´s degree in industrial engineering, process engineering, chemistry, computer science or similar disciplines. You think analytically, work solution orientated and voluntarily in international and interdisciplinary teams. You show creative thinking and commitment. Willingly, you bring your knowledge and abilities into the long-term development of the professorship. Ideally, you are already knowledgeable in the fields of life cycle assessment, simulation, mathematical optimization, and / or material flow analysis. Additionally, you are well versed in the English language.

What we offer

We offer a full time position as academic staff with the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree or postdoctoral qualification. The position is available immediately. The initial contract will be limited, extensions are intended. Part time employment is possible. Payment will be based on the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service of the Länder (TV-L) at E13 level. TUM strives to raise the proportion of women in its workforce and explicitly encourages applications from qualified women. Applications from disabled persons with essentially the same qualifications will be given preference. 

Application

If you are interested in working with us, please send your documents by email to 

circulareconomy@cs.tum.de. For more Information, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Magnus Fröhling (magnus.froehling(at)tum.de). The deadline for application is 01/31/2026.

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability

Chair of Circular Economy and Sustainability Assessment 
Prof. Dr. Magnus Fröhling

Am Essigberg 3

D-94315 Straubing

Germany

T: +49 9421 187 190

E: magnus.froehling(at)tum.de

W: www.cec.cs.tum.de; www.cs.tum.de; www.tum.de

Schulische Voraussetzungen

Mind. Mittlerer Schulabschluss

Persönliche Voraussetzungen

Interesse an intellektuell betonter handwerklicher Tätigkeit; Interesse an IT-Systemen und Netzwerktechnik; Neigung zu Tätigkeiten, die logisch-systematisches Denken erfordern; Neigung zum kaufmännischen am wirtschaftlichen Erfolg orientierten Denken; Neigung zum Beraten und Überzeugen.

Ausbildungsdauer

Regulär 3 Jahre, Verkürzung nach Vorqualifikation in Absprache möglich.

Ausbildungsstandort

Straubing

Ausbildung

Die Technische Universität München sucht für ihren Standort in Straubing (TUM Campus Straubing) eine/n Auszubildende/n als Fachinformatiker/-in für Systemintegration.

Der Bereich IT stellt als interner Dienstleister für alle Nutzer moderne Informationstechniken am TUM Campus Straubing zur Verfügung. Dabei steht die Unterstützung der Kolleginnen und Kollegen bei der täglichen Arbeit durch den Einsatz von aktueller IT-Technik sowie softwaregestützter Verfahren im Vordergrund.

Gängige Aufgaben sind die Installation und Konfiguration von Hard- und Software, die Administration von Servern und Netzwerkkomponenten, der Betrieb moderner Kommunikationstechniken sowie die Bearbeitung von Änderungen und Störungen an den IT-Arbeitsplätzen.

Ablauf und Inhalte:

Die Berufsausbildung besteht aus praktischen Einsätzen am Standort Straubing und dem regelmäßigen Besuch der Berufsschule, bei dem die theoretischen Inhalte des Berufs vermittelt werden. Unser IT-Bereich unterstützt alle, die am Standort Straubing täglich mit Hard- und Software arbeiten. Du bist damit interner Dienstleister und zu deinen täglichen Aufgaben gehören die Bearbeitung von Störungsmeldungen, die Installation und Konfiguration von Software sowie der Auf- und Umbau von Arbeitsplätzen. Während der praktischen Ausbildung am Standort wirst du durch geschulte Ausbildende angeleitet. Außerdem werden am TUM Campus Straubing Selbstständigkeit und Teamfähigkeit in einer modernen Arbeitsumgebung und mit zeitgemäßen Ausbildungsmethoden gefördert.