Scientist in the field of roll-to-roll coating of flexible substrates (all genders)

WE IMPROVE SURFACES - AND CREATE SOMETHING NEW. CHANGE STARTS WITH US.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 76 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society - more precisely: 32,000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.

The processing, coating and finishing of surfaces is important in almost every industry - from mechanical engineering and solar technology to the packaging and medical industries, building construction and agriculture. The Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP in Dresden is an important driver of innovation as a research and development partner for industrial and public clients. Among other things, we contribute to making buildings more energy-efficient and packaging more sustainable. Are you involved?

Our interdisciplinary "Plasma Technology" department deals with a wide range of processes for coating and modifying flexible and rigid materials such as plastic, paper, metal, glass and wafers. The properties to be achieved result from the requirements of a wide range of products, such as optical filters, solar modules, decorative films, electrochromic windows, laser mirrors, food packaging, power electronics, batteries and electronic components. In our research and development activities, we combine different scientific disciplines such as physics, chemistry and production technology, electrical engineering/electronics, information technology and computer science. We bring technologies from the laboratory to application maturity and transfer them to industry. Based on our technological research, we develop and manufacture key components for industry.

To strengthen our team, we offer a position for a Scientist (all genders) in the field of roll-to-roll coating of flexible substrates at the earliest possible date.
During the application process, the need for a group leader may arise, which we may then offer you.

What you will do

You can expect exciting tasks in applied, industrial research into new developments in surface technologies. Help shape the future with your innovations! Your work will always be geared towards the requirements of industry and will therefore lead to future products. Your work is characterized by a high degree of interdisciplinarity, internationality and thinking “outside the box”. You will work in close coordination with the Institute's staff and drive forward the content and strategic direction of the topic you are responsible for.

You will work on the development of new subject areas and create an environment of financing opportunities for these subject areas through funding projects and industrial consortia. The Fraunhofer FEP works for both industrial and public clients. Accordingly, contacts must be maintained and established with international industrial clients, academic cooperation partners and funding bodies. Participation in project acquisition and management is expressly desired. A special task for you will be the development and supervision of the atmoFlex group:

The atmoFlex 1250 provides the Fraunhofer FEP with a closed process chain for the development and pilot production of multi-layer systems consisting of lacquer and vacuum layers under production-related conditions.

Your tasks:

• Establishment and support of the subject area,
• process development,
• derivation of market-oriented development goals,
• acquisition of third-party funded projects in this subject area,
• cross-group cooperation on other Fraunhofer FEP subject areas

In terms of the further development of Fraunhofer FEP, you may be involved in cross-departmental and cross-divisional strategy processes.

Which team can you expect?

The atmoFlex group is part of the Flexible Products department:

Flexible materials such as plastic films, metal strips and foils, ultra-thin glass, textiles and membranes are used in many innovative products. The range of applications extends from packaging films to smart windows, for example.

We develop and use roll-to-roll technologies to coat and modify flexible materials for various applications. The core competence includes a range of roll-to-roll coating technologies such as slot die deposition with subsequent electron beam crosslinking, pulse magnetron sputtering, electron beam evaporation, thermal evaporation and PECVD.

These coating technologies are supplemented by processes for plasma and ion treatment of the surfaces of flexible materials. Process control procedures ensure quality and reproducibility in the development and production process. We use and further develop the technologies mentioned for specific applications. We work on development projects for our customers from the feasibility study to the transfer to industry. We have unique roll-to-roll test facilities from laboratory to pilot scale at our disposal.

What you bring to the table

• You have a university degree in engineering or natural sciences.
• Preferably you have completed or are about to complete a doctorate.
• Preferably you have sound knowledge in the field of polymer chemistry or surface technologies.
• You have experience in the acquisition, processing and management of research and development projects.
• Your working style is independent, goal-oriented and cooperative.
• You have publication experience.
• You are willing and able to work across departments and divisions on business development, innovation management and strategy development tasks.
• Preferably you have experience of the work and orientation of the institutes of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft.
• Experience in an international environment is desirable.
• You have an excellent command of the English language. Fluency in German is an advantage, but not a requirement.

What you can expect

• Insight into one of the world's leading research organizations,
• Collaboration on innovative research projects in an interdisciplinary team,
• a modern, well-equipped and international working environment,
• flexible working hours to help you achieve a good work-life balance,
• Opportunities for professional and personal development,
• Access to the in-house library,
• Opportunity for professional and personal development and the development of an extensive network of expertise and cooperation opportunities.

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is initially limited to 2 years and also available on a part-time basis. 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. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

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!

We will be happy to answer any technical questions you may have about this position:

Dr. Matthias Fahland (Head of Department)
Phone: +49 351 2586- 135

Dr. Nicolas Schiller (Head of Plasma Technology)
Phone: +49 351 2586-131

We will be happy to answer your organizational and administrative questions:

Mrs. Anke Gottlöber
[email protected]

Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP

Requisition Number: 80525Application Deadline: 08/24/2025