At the same time, many established funding formats fail to meet the needs of strongly interdisciplinary junior researchers. Therefore, within the funding period of the WSS Research Centre catalaix, junior research groups will be advertised on an open-topic basis. The funding requirement is that the research concept must contribute to the scientific goals of catalaix. Equipped with funding of up to 1.5 Mio. € for 4 + 1 years, the funding offers promising young scientists the opportunity to establish an independent profile and to qualify for a professorship. In accordance with the (Junior) Principal Investigators (J)PIs) concept of RWTH, the catalaix (J)PIs are supervised by catalaix-PIs as mentors. Furthermore, the catalaix associate (J)PI offers young scientists with other funding (ERC Starting Grant, Emmy Noether, etc.) the opportunity to joining catalaix as JPIs. A project-based funding of up to 100 k€/a is possible upon application to the core team for a maximum of 5 years.

In accordance with the RWTH’s Gender Equality Plan, attention is paid to a gender-equal and diverse composition of the catalaix team when filling all positions. The PIs of the WSS Research Centre catalaix consider gender equality as key to attracting outstanding talent, and equality is a lived practice among the groups involved.

To apply, please download the following files and submit them completed to application@catalaix.com.

Interested? Applications are welcome until 01/09/2025.

1. catalaix-Junior Principal Investigator (JPI) position in the field of polymer design, polymer synthesis and characterization using renewable or circular raw materials (ITMC)
   
   
2. catalaix-Junior Principal Investigator (JPI) position in the field of process engineering for chemical recycling of polymers (AVT)