Head of Research Programme Plasma Surface Modification (f/m/d)

Do you want to set your own accents and design the topics of your research programme yourself? Do you enjoy working with state-of-the-art equipment in a motivated team on a wide range of exciting projects? Do you have ideas for new applications, e.g. in the field of sustainable energy supply, bioeconomy, industry 4.0?

Then you are a perfect fit for us!

To strengthen our research team we are looking to recruit at the earliest possible date for our location in Greifswald an enthusiastic candidate for the position of

HEAD OF RESEARCH PROGRAMME (F/M/D)

PLASMA SURFACE MODIFICATION

Full-time appointment (40 hours/week) / Target salary: TV-L E 15 (Gross salary range according to professional experience, please see Renumeration table)

• Performance-based salary (TV-L)
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Creative working environment
• Extensive opportunities to design your research programme
• State-of-the-art technical facilities
• Networking opportunities at national and international conferences
• Cooperation with science and industry
• Opportunities for external training
• Internal laboratory tours
• Flexible Working Hours and Mobile Working
• Family's office
• 30 vacation days per year (plus: December 24 and 31)
• Online Sports courses ("Moving break")

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

You will take over the scientific and administrative management of the research programme "Plasma Surface Modification". You will form and lead a highly motivated team of scientists, engineers and technicians from the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, materials science and electrical engineering, which can draw on modern, extensive and highly specialized laboratory and diagnostic equipment. You will expand the programme by own / new research groups. Current research activities include the development of plasma-assisted processes for the modification of surfaces and materials for applications in the fields of:

• Medical technology (e.g. functionalization or coating of implants to control cell-surface interaction and realization of antimicrobial surfaces);
• Biotechnology (e.g. modification of surfaces to immobilize enzymes, bacteria or cells for biocatalytic systems or development of polymeric surface coatings for cell culture materials);
• Life science diagnostics (e.g. development of new functional coatings or surface modifications for the realization of biosensor platforms);
• Technical surfaces (e.g. functional coatings for industrial applications, production of rough and polished surfaces with special geometries and plasma fine cleaning).

The area of responsibility includes laboratories for the operation of PVD and PECVD systems as well as various atmospheric plasma processes. The spectrum of tasks ranges from basic and applied research to technology transfer to industry.

Within the scope of your diverse and challenging work tasks you will:

• develop and shape the strategy of the research programme including the focus on attractive scientific and application-oriented topics together with the board of directors;
• develop new industrial application fields, in particular with regard to current priorities such as healthcare technology, sustainability, bioeconomy and Industry 4.0;
• attract third-party funding from the public sector and industry;
• develop and maintain contacts with recognized domestic and foreign institutes and industrial cooperation partners;
• manage ongoing projects in cooperation with the project leaders;
• pursue own research activities with commitment;
• demonstrate an appropriate own publication activity.

YOUR PROFILE:

• PhD level in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering Sciences, Material Sciences, Environmental Sciences or related fields
• Ideally habilitation in one of the above-mentioned fields
• Proven knowledge in the field of plasma-assisted surface modification is required, further knowledge in plasma technology is beneficial
• Points of connection to one or ideally more of the following areas: Surface modification /coating (PECVD, Sputtering, or similar), Surface analytics (XPS, AFM, REM or similar), Surface Structuring, HiPIMS, Plasma Spraying, Plasma Printing, Plasma Polishing etc.
• Several years of leadership and project management experience
• Industrial experience is an advantage
• Independent and structured way of working, high level of commitment and initiative
• Proven experience in the acquisition of third-party funding
• Very good German and English language skills
• Very good organisational skills as well as hands-on mentality
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team as well as creativity

ABOUT INP

Our institute ranks among the largest and most modern institutions in the field of low-temperature plasmas worldwide. In an international working environment, we conduct socially relevant research within our core areas Plasma Chemistry and Process Technology, Renewable Energy & Bioeconomy as well as Health & Hygiene. Currently the INP employs about 200 scientists and staff at three locations (Greifswald, Rostock and Karlsburg).

For further information, please visit our website at www.leibniz-inp.de.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with the common documents (cover letter, CV, copies of academic degrees and letters of reference) giving the keyword „0515 Head of Research Programme Plasma Surface Modification“ - preferably via our online application form -  until 10th April 2023. In your letter of motivation, please outline your scientific and professional career and describe your future research projects. We are looking forward to your initial ideas for research approaches and new topics! We would be pleased to receive a list of your most important publications as well as your previous third-party funding.

Your performance and personality matters regardless of your age, origin, gender, sexual identity, disability or ideology. We look forward to receiving your applications!

The INP wants equal participation of men and women, especially in science. Qualified women candidates are explicitly called to apply. Handicapped applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualification.

CONTACT:

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Klaus-Dieter Weltmann (tel.: +49 3834/554-310, e-mail: weltmann@inp-greifswald.de).

Please send your applications to*:

Leibniz-Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP)
Mrs Gabriele Lembke
Human Resources Department
Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2
17489 Greifswald
E-Mail: bewu@inp-greifswald.de

* Unfortunately, we cannot refund any expenses associated with the application or job interview due to budgetary regulations.