The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany and is the world’s leading applied research organization. Around 30 800 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.0 billion euros.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale) is a methodologically oriented Fraunhofer Institute in the material sciences and materials engineering disciplines. The business unit "Biological and Macromolecular Materials" is dedicated to advancing personal care and medical product innovation through the exploration of mechanisms of action and the creation of novel materials. Additionally, it focuses on enhancing biofunctional properties through surface technology. We are currently seeking a student to engage in scientific research and thesis preparation (Bachelor's, Master's, Diploma) at the earliest convenience.
The global rise in antibiotic resistance presents a major healthcare challenge, underscoring the pressing demand for innovative solutions in the development of new antimicrobial agents and surfaces. In biomedical contexts, anti-adhesive coatings mitigate infection risks without fostering resistance, offering a pivotal advantage over bactericidal methods due to their low toxicity. Stimulus-responsive fouling-release coatings mark a technologically advanced progression in anti-adhesive systems. As part of an internal research initiative, we are crafting stimulus-responsive polymer coatings to enable thermally triggered self-cleaning of surfaces.
Your objective is to devise synthesis pathways for coupling stimulus-responsive polymer brushes onto diverse substrate materials and conduct experimental evaluations. Drawing from an initial literature review, you will pinpoint appropriate techniques and parameters to activate the substrate surface (e.g., PMMA, PETG) and covalently tether polymer brushes with specific end groups.
What you will do
- Pre-treatment of the substrate surface through plasma or wet chemical surface activation
- Systematic testing of methods for covalently attaching stimulus-responsive polymer brushes (e.g., thiol-ene reaction)
- Characterization and evaluation of surface modifications using spectroscopic methods such as FTIR and XPS
- Analyzing results in the context of current literature
What you bring to the table
- Enrollment in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Polymer Materials Science
- Experience in chemical synthesis and handling hazardous substances
- Interest in experimental research
- Strong sense of responsibility and ability to work independently
What you can expect
- An interesting application-oriented field of research with innovative projects and a state-of-the-art laboratory environment
- Professional support from scientific mentors
- An open and friendly work environment
- Flexible hours that allow you to balance your studies and on-the-job experience
We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.
Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!
Additional questions will be answered gladly by:
Dr. Nicole Michler
phone: +49 345 5589-7036
email: nicole.michler@imws.fraunhofer.de
Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS
Requisition Number: 72396
Job Segment: Chemical Research, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Research Scientist, Chemical Engineer, Engineering, Science
