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Leverkusen | R&D – Polymer Chemistry | AGRIPOLYS MSCA Doctoral Network

36 months. One position at Covestro. Part of the AGRIPOLYS MSCA Doctoral Network.

Are you passionate about polymer synthesis and eager to pursue your PhD in a cutting-edge industry-research environment? This 36-month PhD position is embedded within the EU-wide AGRIPOLYS MSCA Doctoral Network. Based at Covestro's Leverkusen site, you will conduct advanced research in polymer synthesis, small organic molecule modification, and state-of-the-art polymerization and characterization techniques – in close collaboration with internal and external R&D experts (m/f/d). A 6-month secondment at the University of Twente (Netherlands) or another partner university within the network is included.

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.

What you will work on:

• Your research focuses on the synthesis and modification of small organic molecules, polymer synthesis, and the application of state-of-the-art polymerization techniques and advanced polymer characterization methods to develop novel polymeric materials
• You work closely with internal and external R&D experts (m/f/d) 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

What you bring:

• Genuine interest in pursuing a PhD in Chemistry within a combined industry/ research institute environment
• Outstanding Master's degree in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or another relevant scientific discipline – to be completed before enrolment at the latest
• Hands-on experience in polymerization techniques and polymer characterization, as well as in the synthesis and characterization of small organic molecules
• Excellent command of spoken and written English, with the ability to communicate results clearly to diverse audiences
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – enabling productive collaborations, active participation in the Doctoral Network, and seamless integration within the team
• Willingness and ability to travel within Europe for secondments, training schools, workshops, and network meetings
• Available to start no later than February 2027 in Leverkusen, Germany

General Eligibility Criteria (Mandatory):

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: 18th November 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Berlin). This position is to be filled on a full-time basis for a fixed term of 36 months.

Perfection? Not required!

The requirements are not met 100%, but you are still interested in the position? Are you curious, courageous and colorful as we are? No problem!

We'll tackle this together - as a team! With proper onboarding and tailored development opportunities.

Apply now!

We look forward to receive your application! Become #1ofUs!

Anyone who wants to contribute to a better world with Covestro can also expect a lot.

We want you to feel at home at Covestro. To feel you’re treated fairly and transparently. That means financial security, a healthy work-life balance and generous benefits.

Specifically, it means for us: flexible working hours, the compatibility of family and work, active health promotion and the ability to convert part of your salary into long-term or retirement savings. And that's not all.

Sounds exciting? Find out more about Covestro and our benefits here: 

https://www.career.covestro.de/de/about-covestro/covestro-as-an-employer/employee-benefits  

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Covestro welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of racial or ethnic origin, skin color, nationality, religion, philosophy, gender, age, physical characteristics, marital status, disability, appearance, sexual orientation and sexual identity. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.