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Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in (w/m/d) Consulting im Bereich Circular Economy and Materials - Job Opportunity at RWTH Aachen University

Aachen, Germany
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 1, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 55,000-70,000 annually based on TV-L EG 13 pay scale for German public sector research positions, with additional benefits potentially increasing total compensation to EUR 65,000-80,000 equivalent, competitive for academic roles but below private sector consulting rates of EUR 70,000-90,000 for similar expertise levels

Benefits

30 vacation days with bridging days policy providing enhanced work-life balance above standard market offerings
Flexible working hours through flextime arrangements enabling autonomous schedule management
Partial home office capability supporting modern hybrid work preferences
Company-wide events and team-building activities fostering collaborative culture and professional networking
Annual bonus payment subject to eligibility criteria providing additional compensation beyond base salary
Modern IT equipment ensuring productivity with cutting-edge technology resources
Comprehensive health management programs including university sports facilities
Extensive continuing education opportunities for career development
Subsidized public transportation ticket reducing commuting costs
PhD opportunity with academic supervision supporting long-term career advancement

Key Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end project management with industry partners from acquisition through delivery, directly impacting strategic partnerships and revenue generation in electromobility production planning and prototyping
Drive cutting-edge research in battery components and Re-X processes (Re-Use, Repair, Remanufacturing, Recycling) contributing to breakthrough innovations in sustainable battery lifecycle management
Develop prototype solutions and novel manufacturing/testing procedures that establish new industry standards and intellectual property for the research group
Mentor graduate students and deliver academic lectures, building the next generation of circular economy experts while enhancing institutional reputation
Assume early-stage budget management and leadership responsibilities with autonomous decision-making authority over research themes and project direction
Collaborate directly with C-level executives and technical leaders from major OEMs, automotive suppliers, and emerging startups, influencing industry-wide sustainability strategies
Contribute to agile factory planning methodologies and other trending topics through doctoral research that bridges academic theory with industrial application

Requirements

Education

Successfully completed Master's degree or equivalent in technical field (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering)

Experience

Ideally first practical experience in consulting, development, production, or e-mobility

Required Skills

Self-motivation to develop new topics and utilize creative freedom Structured and reliable work approach Creative and pragmatic thinking Curiosity and motivation to continuously learn new subjects High willingness to travel and flexibility Fluent German and English speaking and writing skills
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Industry Trends

The circular economy for batteries is experiencing explosive growth as governments worldwide implement Extended Producer Responsibility regulations and the EU's Battery Regulation (2023) mandates minimum recycling content percentages, creating unprecedented demand for Re-X process expertise and lifecycle optimization strategies that this role directly addresses. Electromobility production is undergoing a fundamental shift from linear to circular manufacturing models, with major automotive OEMs like BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen investing billions in battery recycling facilities and second-life applications, positioning circular economy specialists as critical strategic advisors in this €440 billion industry transformation. Post-lithium-ion battery technologies including solid-state and sodium-ion batteries are attracting massive R&D investments exceeding €15 billion globally, creating a knowledge gap that research institutions like RWTH are uniquely positioned to fill through specialized consulting and applied research programs.

Role Significance

Likely leading small project teams of 3-5 members including PhD students and research assistants, while collaborating within a larger research group of 15-20 professionals across ten specialized research areas within the PEM institute structure
Strategic mid-level position with significant autonomy and leadership development opportunities, functioning as a bridge between senior research leadership and operational execution, with direct client interaction responsibilities typically reserved for senior consultants in private sector firms

Key Projects

Multi-million euro EU Horizon projects on battery lifecycle assessment and circular manufacturing processes Strategic consulting engagements with automotive OEMs on battery recycling infrastructure development Technology transfer initiatives with startups developing novel Re-X process technologies International collaboration projects with research institutions in battery recycling hotspots like South Korea and China

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in battery chemistry and manufacturing processes combined with business acumen to translate complex technical concepts into strategic recommendations for C-level executives and government policymakers in the rapidly evolving electromobility ecosystem. Exceptional project management and stakeholder relationship skills to navigate complex multi-partner consortiums involving academic institutions, industrial players, and government agencies, each with different objectives, timelines, and success metrics in collaborative research and development initiatives. Adaptability and continuous learning mindset to stay ahead of rapidly evolving regulations, technologies, and market dynamics in the circular economy space, where new policies, technologies, and business models emerge monthly and fundamentally reshape industry landscapes. Strong communication and knowledge transfer abilities to effectively bridge the gap between cutting-edge academic research and practical industrial implementation, ensuring research outcomes create measurable value for industry partners and contribute to scalable circular economy solutions.

Market Demand

Exceptionally high demand driven by regulatory pressure, sustainability mandates, and the €280 billion European Green Deal investment in circular economy initiatives, with supply of qualified professionals significantly lagging behind industry needs across automotive, energy storage, and recycling sectors

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Battery chemistry and materials science expertise is absolutely essential as the role involves making strategic recommendations about battery component optimization, recycling processes, and next-generation battery technologies, requiring deep understanding of electrochemical processes, material properties, and manufacturing constraints to provide credible technical guidance to industry partners. Systems thinking and lifecycle assessment capabilities are crucial for developing comprehensive circular economy strategies that consider environmental impact, economic viability, and technical feasibility across complex value chains involving mining, manufacturing, use, and end-of-life processing of battery systems. Project management and stakeholder relationship skills are vital for success in managing multi-million euro research projects with diverse partners including industrial companies, government agencies, and international research institutions, each with different objectives, reporting requirements, and success metrics.

Beneficial Skills

Digital transformation and Industry 4.0 knowledge including IoT, AI, and automation technologies would significantly enhance value proposition as the circular economy increasingly relies on digital tracking, predictive maintenance, and automated sorting/processing systems for efficient material recovery and reuse. Regulatory and policy expertise in European battery regulations, Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks, and sustainability reporting standards would differentiate the candidate in an industry where compliance and policy navigation are becoming increasingly complex and business-critical. Entrepreneurial and commercialization experience would be valuable for identifying and developing intellectual property opportunities, spinning out research results into commercial ventures, and understanding the business model innovations required to scale circular economy solutions from laboratory to market implementation.

Unique Aspects

Rare combination of deep technical research capabilities with direct strategic consulting responsibilities, providing exposure to both cutting-edge scientific discovery and high-level business strategy development in one of the world's most critical sustainability challenges.
Access to state-of-the-art battery manufacturing and testing facilities valued at over €20 million, including pilot-scale production lines, advanced materials characterization equipment, and automated disassembly systems that few institutions globally can match for hands-on research and development work.
Direct involvement in shaping European and German policy on battery recycling and circular economy through advisory roles and policy consultation, providing influence on regulatory frameworks that will govern billions of euros in industry investments over the next decade.
Unique positioning at the intersection of multiple high-growth industries including automotive, energy storage, recycling, and renewable energy, with research outcomes applicable across sectors and creating diverse career pathways in rapidly expanding markets.

Career Growth

3-5 years for senior research positions, 5-8 years for industry leadership roles, with PhD completion being a critical milestone that significantly accelerates progression into both academic and high-level industry positions

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Scientist or Principal Investigator roles leading major research programs with €5-15 million budgets within 4-6 years Industry positions such as Head of Sustainability or Chief Technology Officer at battery manufacturers, automotive OEMs, or recycling companies within 5-7 years Independent consulting practice specializing in circular economy strategy for the automotive and energy storage industries Academic career progression to Professor positions at leading technical universities with focus on sustainable manufacturing and circular economy

Company Overview

RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen University stands as one of Europe's premier technical universities and a founding member of the prestigious TU9 German Engineering Excellence network, with the PEM (Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components) institute representing a €50+ million research infrastructure specifically dedicated to electromobility manufacturing, positioning it as a globally recognized leader in automotive production technology research and industry collaboration.

Dominant position in German automotive research landscape with direct partnerships with all major German automotive OEMs including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group, and leading suppliers like Bosch and Continental, while maintaining strong international collaborations with companies like Tesla, CATL, and Samsung SDI, making it a critical bridge between academic research and industrial innovation.
Strategic location in North Rhine-Westphalia places the role at the heart of Germany's industrial corridor, within 200km of major automotive production facilities, chemical companies, and the emerging European battery manufacturing hub, providing unparalleled access to industry partners and real-world application opportunities for research outcomes.
Academic environment emphasizing intellectual freedom and scientific rigor combined with strong industry orientation and entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a culture where fundamental research meets practical application, with significant autonomy for individual research direction while maintaining collaborative team-based project execution and knowledge sharing.
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