Group Leader: Sustainable Materials for Aerospace PFAS Substitution & Market Translation (m/f/d)

• A doctorate in chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field; post-doctoral experience is preferred

• A track record of scholarly excellence and experience developing functional materials

• A genuine ambition to leave the purely academic track and build a company – this position is designed to facilitate the transition to entrepreneurship. The insights gained through research are intended to help solve real-world problems and step into the market

• Prior work demonstrating technology at proof-of-concept level is strongly preferred

• Comfort operating at the interface of fundamental research, applied development, and industrial requirements

• Ability and willingness to mentor junior scientists and technicians

• Experience with regulatory and performance qualification processes (e. g., aerospace materials standards) is preferred

• Research support for up to seven years (four years guaranteed with three additional years following a positive evaluation)

• Funding for yourself and up to 3 PhD students (equivalent of 2.3 FTE)

• Direct, structured consultation with a leading European aerospace OEM acting as technical advisor and prospective customer

• Complete responsibility for building and directing your team

• Access to CTC's research infrastructure and close collaboration with the CTC Science Team and Service Hub

• Close contact with and support by CTC's Technology Transfer Office

• Dedicated training on leadership and basics of entrepreneurship in your first year, plus ongoing support in validating the transfer of your research into a market-ready product and company

• A collaborative, interdisciplinary ecosystem alongside other Talent Factory group leaders working on the CTC's core themes: Automation and Standardization, Data-driven Chemistry, Renewable Feedstocks, Recycling, and Societal, Environmental, and Economic Metrics

About the Talent Factory

The Talent Factory is the CTC's platform for outstanding independent researchers, offering the infrastructure, funding, and mentorship needed to pursue ambitious, transformative ideas and to carry them all the way to the market. Group Leaders retain full responsibility for their team and research direction, supported by the CTC Service Hub.

Benefits

• The opportunity to support groundbreaking research and contribute to the CTC's growth on its path toward becoming one of the largest research centers for chemistry in Europe

• Successful applicants will be offered an initial fixed-term contract of four years (subject to the availability of funding) with a six-month probation period. The position is offered in accordance with § 2 (1) of the German Act on Temporary Scientific Contracts (WissZeitVG). A further extension, for up to a maximum total duration of seven years, may be granted following a favorable review after three years of employment

• Salary: up to E 14 TVöD (Bund), depending on the candidate's qualifications

• The chance to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and international environment embedded in a highly motivated team

• A high degree of personal responsibility and the freedom to pursue independent research ideas

• Opportunities for personnel responsibility and leadership development

• Individual support services fostering professional and personal growth

• Access to strong scientific and economic networks at regional, national, and international levels

• Conditions and social benefits of public service, including 30 days of vacation (based on a 5-day work week), annual special payments, and additional pension benefits (VBL)

• Subsidy for a public transport job ticket

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