Open Positions

1. Formulation of Innovative dermo-cosmetic facial care Bigel for acne treatment

Background

Acne is a common skin disease that mostly affects adolescents and adults, leading to the formation of nodules, papules and pustules. Conventional dermo-cosmetic products, either hydrogels or organogels, have several drawbacks, such as skin irritation, dryness, redness, prolonged treatment periods, and an unpleasant oily skin feel.

SVT, in collaboration with its partner Macon Company, is developing a novel bigel-based dermo-cosmetic formulation integrated with probiotic particles for acne treatment. This innovative approach aims to inhibit acne bacteria, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce common side effects associated with conventional products. Bigels combine the moisturizing benefits of hydrogels with the enhanced absorption of organogels, enabling effective treatment with lower concentrations of active ingredients and reduced production costs.

As no acne products based on bigel technology currently exist on the market, this project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a first-of-its-kind dermo-cosmetic solution.

Objective

The goal is to develop a novel bigel formulation through the investigation of various gelling agents and solvents, optimization of manufacturing parameters, and manufacturing processes on a laboratory scale as well as material characterization of the bigel formulations

Approach and tasks

1.     Literature review on hydrgels, organo gels and bigels.

2.     Formulation of various bigels at different conditions and ingredients concentrations.

3.     Characterization of the gels using real time in-situ sensors such as Rheonics viscometer, Particle imaging and tracking sensors, and FTIR.

4.     Investigation of sevral manufacturing methods.

5.     Documentation and presentation of results.

Profile

• Working independently, self-initiative and motivated.
• Interested in laboratory work and data analysis
• Interested in development novel Bigel for dermo-cosmetic facial care.

Start date: Sommer Semester 2026

Interested students please contact:

Dr. Laila Abu-Farah. Email: laila.abu-farah@svt.uni-stuttgart.de. Böblinger Str. 78 | 70199 Stuttgart |

Room: 3.008

Examiner: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Natalie Germann

2. Real-Time FTIR-Guided Optimization of Lignin-Chitosan Grafting 

Background

Replacing fluorinated polymers (PFAS) in food-contact coatings requires bio-based materials that combine barrier performance, chemical resistance, and processability. Lignin-chitosan copolymers are promising candidates because lignin provides hydrophobicity while chitosan contributes film-forming ability and antimicrobial activity. However, the industrial relevance of this system is currently limited by poor reproducibility and slow kinetics of grafting. Knowledge about the reaction pathways, kinetic bottlenecks, and solvent effects are not yet set.

This thesis addresses a key Literature gap: the requirement of a systematic in-situ FTIR-based kinetic mapping for lignin-chitosan grafting.

Objective

The goal is to quantitatively resolve how solvent, mixing order, and temperature control the grafting kinetics and chemical pathway, using real-time FTIR (ReactIR) as the primary analytical tool.

Approach and tasks

1.     Literature review on in-situ FTIR spectroscopy and its applications.

2.     Identify the dominant grafting mechanism from FTIR signatures.

3.     Quantify reaction speed and conversion under baseline and accelerated conditions.

4.     Define process parameters enabling minute-scale polymerization.

5.     Documentation and presentation of results.

Profile

• Working independently
• Analytical thinking, chemistry background
• Interested in laboratory work and data analysis

Start date: Sommer Semester 2026

Interested students please contact:

M.Sc. Ayumi Schober | Ayumi.Schober@svt.uni-stuttgart.de

Böblinger Str. 78 | 70199 Stuttgart | Room: 3.003

Examiner: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Natalie Germann