Overview
BIOWEG is seeking a Ph.D. candidate for a 36-month fixed-term research position on biopolymer-based seed coatings. You will modify cellulose-based materials and formulate biodegradable seed coatings, with the goal of testing them in greenhouse trials and moving them toward practical application.
This role is part of AGRIPOLYS Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network dedicated to developing innovative and sustainable polymeric materials for the agricultural sector. This role combines hands-on laboratory research with close collaboration across R&D and the wider team. Apply now and help us develop sustainable seed coatings that support agriculture and reduce fossil-based inputs.
Your Role
- Your research focuses on modifying cellulose-based materials to tailor their properties for seed coating applications, formulate biodegradable biopolymer coatings and evaluate their performance and design and run greenhouse tests to assess coating effectiveness and seed compatibility
- You work closely with internal and external R&D experts across the Doctoral Network throughout your individual research project
- A complementary training program accompanies your research – including scientific skills courses, transferable soft-skills training, and network-wide activities such as schools, workshops, and conferences
- You present your research results at renowned institutes and conferences, with periodic national and international travel expected
- During your 6-month secondment at the University of Twente or another partner university, you deepen your expertise and expand your international network
Your Profile
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Outstanding Master's degree in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, chemical engineering, or another relevant scientific discipline, completed before enrolment
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Hands-on experience in polymer chemistry, cellulose or biopolymer modification and agri formulations
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Experience in polymer or material characterization techniques
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Interest in agricultural applications/formulations, plant science, or sustainable materials for seed treatment
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Genuine interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in an industry-research environment
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Structured, self-driven approach with strong attention to detail
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain results clearly
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Excellent command of spoken and written English
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Available to start no later than March/April 2027 in Monheim am Rhein, Germany
Mandatory Eligibility Criteria: AGRIPOLYS welcomes applications from highly motivated candidates of any nationality and is committed to equal opportunities in recruitment. To be eligible for recruitment as a Doctoral Candidate (DC) within the AGRIPOLYS Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network, applicants must fulfil the following requirements at the date of recruitment:
Mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not considered.
Academic qualifications: Candidates must hold, or obtain before enrolment, a Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline and must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment. Applicants must fulfil the admission requirements of the University of Twente, where they will be enrolled in a doctoral program.
Please submit the following documents as a single PDF with your application:
- Detailed CV outlining academic qualifications and laboratory skills (max. 4 pages)
- List of publications (if applicable)
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your Master's thesis and the relevance of your previous experience to this position
- Copies of academic certificates including final grade and date
- Minimum 2 recommendation letters or names and contact details of two referees who may be contacted for a reference
Application deadline: 31st December 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Berlin). This position is to be filled on a full-time basis for a fixed term of 36 months.
What We Offer
- Funded full-time doctoral position (36 months, fixed-term) within an international, application-oriented research network, including structured doctoral training and individual career development
- Competitive remuneration package in accordance with MSCA Doctoral Network rules, including a living allowance adjusted by the applicable country correction coefficient, a mobility allowance and a family allowance (where eligible)
- International and interdisciplinary training, including participation in network-wide doctoral training activities, scientific workshops, transferable skills courses and collaborative research events organized by AGRIPOLYS partners
- International secondments at academic and/or industrial partner organizations, providing exposure to complementary scientific expertise, advanced research facilities and different research environments
- Interdisciplinary supervision and career development, supported by experienced researchers from academic and non-academic institutions, together with an individual career development plan
- Scientific and professional development opportunities, including participation in international conferences, publication of research results, networking with academic and industrial experts, and involvement in dissemination, communication, outreach and innovation activities
In addition to our diverse benefits, this position offers a monthly gross salary fully funded by the EU in accordance with the EU-MSCA program, comprising the following components: a living allowance of €4,058.12/ month, a mobility allowance of €710.00/ month (applicable to all fellows), and a family allowance of €495.00/ month (granted to fellows who are married and/or have dependent children). The maximum monthly gross salary is therefore €5,263.12; without the family allowance, the monthly gross salary amounts to €4,768.12.
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