Universities and research institutes (© GDCh)

The GDCh job list "Universities and Research Institutes" includes job advertisements for doctoral and postdoctoral positions at universities and other public service institutions that are aimed at graduates of chemistry, biochemistry, food chemistry, chemical engineering, physics or related fields. Offers in German or English from Germany and abroad are welcome.

Information for providers of doctoral and postdoc positions

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To the job list "Professors and young researchers"

Job list as of September 15, 2025

Doctoral Researcher in Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry. The group of Prof. Fabien Cougnon at the Department of Chemistry of the University of Jyväskylä (Finland) is seeking to recruit a Doctoral Researcher in Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry starting January 5th, 2026 for a maximum of four years. The project focuses on the development of new strategies to access entangled molecules, such as molecular knots. The eligible candidate has a suitable Master's degree, and previous experience in supramolecular chemistry and/or multi-steps organic synthesis is recommended. The new group member is expected to actively participate in group meetings and undergraduate students' supervision. Excellent communication skills in English are required. Apply until September 30, 2025 11:59 p.m. (Helsinki). More information and applications here.

Research Associate for the Project "Light-versus electron-induced spin-state switching of complexes on insulating layers" §28 Subsection 3 HmbHG. The focus of the PhD project will be on “Light-versus electron-induced spin-state switching of complexes on insulating layers”, to be studied from a theoretical/computational chemistry perspective in close collaboration with two experimental groups. The PhD student will be part of the DFG-funded collaborative research program SPP 2491 on “Interactive Spin-State Switching”, which involves groups from all across Germany. The position will be in the Herrmann group at the Department of Chemistry. The close interaction with the experimental group of Prof. Dr. Manuel Gruber ( scanning probe microscopy ) and Prof. Dr. Heiko Wende ( spectroscopy of magnetic nanostructures ), both from the physics department at University of Duisburg-Essen, will provide an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment with many options to grow and learn. Please apply using this link here.

University assistant predoctoral, Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: 09/15/2025 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Job ID: 4587. The focus of our research is purification, expression and characterization of a metalloprotein. The employment duration is 3 years and an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible with appropriate work progress. Your future tasks: You actively participate in research, teaching & administration. We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months. This is part of your personality: Completed Master's degree or Diploma, in the field chemistry; Basic experience in academic writing and with research methods; Didactic competences / experience with e-learning; Excellent command of written and spoken English and German (B2 Level); IT user skills: MS Office. Further information and application here. If you have any questions, please contact: Annette Rompel, annette.rompel@univie.ac.at. Application deadline: 09/16/2025.

University Assistant PraeDoc, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: October 1st, 2025 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Limited contract until: September 30, 2028. Job ID: 4625. Your future tasks: You actively participate in research, teaching & administration. We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12 months. Your personal sphere of influence: As part of our diverse team, you will be involved in the synthesis of modified peptides and proteins, their biochemical as well as biophysical characterization and application in functional assays. This is part of your personality: Completed Master's degree or Diploma, in the field of Chemistry, Biological Chemistry or Biochemistry; Basic experience in academic writing and with research methods; Excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 Level), furthermore good command of German, if necessary; Ability to work in a team; Knowledge/experience in the field of peptide and protein chemistry; IT basic user skills. Further information and application here. If you have any questions, please contact: Christian Friedrich Wilhelm Becker, christian.becker@univie.ac.at. Application deadline: 09/15/2025.

Job list as of September 8, 2025

TU Darmstadt is seeking a research associate (doctoral student) in the field of spatially resolved heterogeneous catalysis with coupled in situ/operando spectroscopy. The focus is on the elucidation of the mechanisms of CO₂ hydrogenation over copper- and gold-containing catalysts. You will work in an interdisciplinary team, develop and characterize catalysts, and investigate structure-property relationships as a basis for rational catalyst design. A profile reactor with GC analysis is available for spatially resolved investigations, which can be combined with various in situ/operando spectroscopic methods for mechanistic experiments. You have a degree in chemistry, physics , or materials science and an interest in experimental research. We offer an excellent scientific environment, the opportunity to pursue a doctorate, flexible working models, and comprehensive training opportunities. The link to the job advertisement can be found here.

The Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research at Israeli Universities in STEM, Humanities, and Social Science. The Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship supports the best and brightest minds in their postdoctoral research in Israel, connecting them with world-class academics and leading researchers. What do I need in order to apply? Before applying, please review the detailed guidelines on our website. Full application instructions can be found here. At the time of application, candidates are required to have an academic sponsor, who is a faculty member at an eligible Israeli academic institution. When to apply? The online application opens September 1, 2025, and closes November 19, 2025. How much is the fellowship? The fellowship is made up of a basic scholarship of ILS 168,000 per academic year, with an additional ILS 20,000 granted annually for research expenses and research-related travel. How long does the fellowship last? The fellowship is offered for two years. Renewal for a third year will be considered favorably based on a competitive evaluation process. For any questions, please contact: fellows@azrielifoundation.org.

The Institute of Chemistry at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (Prof. Dr. Christian Limberg) is seeking to fill a 2/3 part-time PhD position for 4 years (E 13 TV-L HU). The successful candidate will work on the synthesis of coordination compounds for the activation of small molecules. This includes creative ligand design, complex chemical syntheses, the spectroscopic characterization of reactive species, and investigations into the catalytic potential of the resulting compounds. Ideally, candidates should have a university degree in molecular inorganic chemistry, experience working under inert conditions, the ability to work in a team, and an interest in mechanistic questions. Please send your application, including a cover letter, CV, and certificates, within four weeks, quoting the reference number AN/323/25, to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Prof. Dr. Christian Limberg (address: Brook-Taylor-Str. 2, Berlin-Adlershof), Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin; applications via email ( christian.limberg@chemie.hu-berlin.de ) are also possible.

TU Darmstadt is seeking a research associate (PhD student) in the field of operando gas sensing for environmental applications. The focus is on the mechanistic elucidation of the mode of action of (doped) metal oxide gas sensors for environmentally and health-relevant gases (e.g., VOCs) using modern operando and transient spectroscopic methods (IR, Raman, UV-Vis). You will work in an interdisciplinary team, fabricate sensors, characterize their physical and chemical properties, and investigate structure-property relationships as a basis for a detailed mechanistic understanding with the goal of rational sensor design. State-of-the-art spectroscopic methods are available for mechanistic investigations, which can be combined depending on the research question. Further developments of the methodology are welcome. You have a degree in chemistry, physics , or materials science and an interest in interdisciplinary experimental research. We offer an excellent academic environment, the opportunity to pursue a doctorate, flexible working models, and comprehensive continuing education opportunities. You can find the link to the job posting here.

Call for Applications for the Azrieli International Visiting PhD Fellowship. The Azrieli International Visiting PhD Fellowship outstanding international PhD candidates the opportunity to conduct short-term research in Israel, fostering academic collaboration and strengthening global research ties. Fellows will work closely with leading Israeli researchers, gaining valuable experience in world-class academic institutions. Before applying, please review the following information: Guidelines, Application Instructions. Who can apply? The fellowship is open to PhD candidates from all countries and academic disciplines who: Are enrolled at an accredited institution outside of Israel and have completed at least one year of their PhD studies at the time of application. Have not had prior academic experience or ongoing research in Israel. Have secured an academic host, who is a faculty member at one of the eligible Israeli institutions listed in the guidelines. Hosts may only sponsor one candidate per application cycle. When to apply? The online application opens September 1, 2025, and closes October 27, 2025. How much is the fellowship, and how long does the fellowship last? The fellowship is valued at ILS 12,000 per month, and is offered for three to four months. The aim of the funding is to support accommodation, international airfare, living costs, fees, and health insurance. For any questions, please contact: fellows@azrielifoundation.org.

Job list as of September 1, 2025

The Department of food chemistry and toxicology (Prof. Dr. Elke Richling) at the RPTU in Kaiserslautern is seeking to fill a doctoral position as soon as possible. Within the research project "Activity-guided identification of bioactive constituents in apple cider and apple cider vinegar and detection of their activity in humans," the research focus of the Department of food chemistry and toxicology is on investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of apple ciders and apple cider vinegar in vitro and verifying the results in a human intervention study. Have we piqued your interest, or do you have any questions? Please contact Dr. Simone Stegmüller ( simone.stegmueller@chem.rptu.de ). Please send your applications with relevant documents as a PDF to the email address provided immediately. The full job description can be found here. Application deadline: September 30, 2025.

PhD student (m/f/d) at the University of Tübingen: "Longer Acenes: Interface Formation and Thin Film Stability". The Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry (apl. Prof. Heiko Peisert) is looking for a highly motivated PhD student (m/f/d) with expertise in physical chemistry or physics. The aim of the project is a systematic understanding of the growth, geometric and electronic structure of the longer acenes from individual molecules to apply relevant film thicknesses. To counter the enhanced reactivity in films, new acene derivatives will be synthesized and studied. This project part is focused on the characterization of the acene/substrate interface and the growth of acenes in thin films. The research will be carried out in close collaboration with partner groups: Prof. Bettinger (Tübingen, Synthesis), Prof. Koller (Graz, Electronic Structure and Interfaces), Prof. Puschnig (Graz, Theory). Full job description and details for application here. Deadline: September 30, 2025 or until post filled.

The Faculty V of the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, within the framework of the Cluster of Excellence NaviSense, is seeking a PhD position for a research associate (65%), starting January 1, 2026, for a period of three years. The project will involve binding falvin-containing proteins and chemically synthesized model systems to surfaces in order to align them with a magnetic field and to characterize them optically. Furthermore, electron transfer properties will be determined. Voltammetric, spectroscopic (XPS, PM IRRAS) and atomic force microscopy are used for this purpose. Requirements for employment are a scientific university degree (MSc.) in chemistry, biochemistry or related subjects with experience in electrochemistry and spectroscopy as well as English language skills. Knowledge of German and previous knowledge of biochemistry is advantageous. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but at least until September 15, 2025. Applications, preferably as a single PDF, should be sent to gunther.wittstock@uni-oldenburg.de and should include: cover letter, CV, transcript of record (BSc. and MSc.), certificates with grades, list of publications and two references. Full call for proposals here.

We are seeking a full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) Research Associate (m/f/d) to begin as soon as possible. The Hydro- and Environmental Geology Group at Ruhr University Bochum investigates, describes, and models groundwater processes and georeservoir management. As a research associate (m/f/d ) with the goal of obtaining a habilitation or equivalent qualification (postdoc, initially limited to 4 years), you will independently carry out the following tasks: a) independent research in the field of water analysis/monitoring strategies/environmental data interpretation, b) use of the water analysis laboratory infrastructure, c) independent acquisition of third-party funding, d) publication activities with international visibility, e) teaching in the field of environmental forensics and instrumental environmental analysis (4 semester hours per week), f) supervision of theses. Apply if you have the following qualifications: a) PhD in LC-MS in environmental analysis, b) relevant experience in authoring international publications, c) experience in interpreting environmental data using ML and AI. We look forward to receiving your application, quoting ANR 4854, by September 22, 2025, via our Online application portal. Further information can be found here.

PhD Position in Main Group Catalysis at Cardiff University (United Kingdom). Are you passionate about green chemistry and cutting-edge research? This PhD funded studentship, supported by EPSRC and Dstl, offers you the chance to make a real impact using modern technologies such as flow electrochemistry and eco-friendly reducing agents. Your mission: to create safer and more sustainable ways by developing new reactions to remove and recycle elements like bismuth, antimony, and arsenic - materials that are vital but often challenging to manage. You'll play a key role in developing innovative methods that not only recover valuable resources but also protect human health and the environment. Plus, you'll get hands-on experience beyond the lab with up to 3 months spent working directly with our industrial partner. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your skills in a real-world setting and build your career network. Join us and help shape the future of sustainable chemistry! Highly motivated candidates enjoying research in a team and with a very good background in experimental organic synthesis are encouraged to apply. This position is available immediately. More information here. All applications should be submitted via the online application portal Chemistry - Study - Cardiff University. For informal inquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact Prof. Thomas Wirth or Prof. Rebecca Melen, School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK, email: wirth@cf.ac.uk, melenr@cardiff.ac.uk.

Job list as of August 25, 2025

PhD position at the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS). The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) is an internationally renowned institute in the field of aerosol and cloud research. The Department of Atmospheric Microphysics (AMP) is dedicated, among other things, to the study of atmospheric aerosol particles and their interactions with clouds and turbulence, as well as the investigation of cloud microphysics. The Department of Atmospheric Microphysics is seeking to fill the following position: PhD position in secondary ice formation with a focus on ice fragmentation during graupel formation (m/f/d, n/a). The position will start no earlier than October 1, 2025. The employment is limited to 36 months (65% TV-L 13). Further information about the job advertisement can be found on our institute's website here.

This PhD position (67%, TV-L 13) is available immediately at the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Freie Universität Berlin in the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1349 "Fluorine-Specific Interactions" (Haut Group & Hasenstab-Riedel Group). The project focuses on the development of environmentally friendly PFAS alternatives using light-directed catalysis and transition-metal-coupled reactions and offers the opportunity to pursue a doctorate in an interdisciplinary research environment. Requirements include a very good master's degree in chemistry, solid knowledge of organic synthesis, and motivation, independence, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in handling air- and moisture-sensitive compounds as well as in chromatographic purification is desirable. Excellent English skills and a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration are expected. Applications, quoting the reference "2025-SFB1349-HautRiedel-01," should be submitted to geschaeftsstelle-ag-riedel@chemie.fu-berlin.de by September 8, 2025. Further information here.

Doctoral student (m/f/d, 75%) in the Model Systems and Nanoscale Functional Materials working group at the Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The project is part of the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center SFB1441 TrackAct. To better understand the relationship between the structure and properties of catalysts in emissions control, clusters and nanoparticles with tunable size, shape, and composition will be synthesized. These compounds will serve as building blocks for model catalysts, which will also be catalytically tested together with the project partners. Ideal applicants have a master's degree in chemistry or a related degree; solid knowledge of inorganic chemistry, especially synthesis; a creative and solution-oriented mindset; excellent English and German skills; and a high level of self-motivation to achieve the doctorate. Please upload your complete application documents to the KIT portal by September 12th. The link to the job advertisement can be found here.

Doctoral student (m/f/d, 75%) in the Model Systems and Nanoscale Functional Materials working group at the Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The project addresses the continuous hydrothermal synthesis of ferrite nanoparticles with special magnetic properties in supercritical water as a sustainable reaction medium and the in-situ monitoring of the synthesis process using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Nanoparticles of magnetic materials exhibit special magnetic properties and have great potential for many biomedical and technical applications. Ideal applicants have a master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related degree; solid knowledge of technical and inorganic chemistry; a creative and solution-oriented mindset; very good English and German skills; and a high level of self-motivation to achieve the doctorate. Please upload your complete application documents to the KIT portal by September 9. The link to the job advertisement can be found here.

The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry in Halle (Saale), a research institution of the Leibniz Association, is seeking to fill a researcher / postdoctoral fellow position in the Department of Bioorganic Chemistry (Prof. Dr. Wessjohann): Synthetic Organic Chemist (m/f/d) (Salary group E13 TV-L, full-time (part-time is possible), temporary until September 30, 2027). Research topic: Your work will be focused on syntheses of bioactive compounds of natural and non-natural origin, lead optimization, conjugation, eg to peptides or dyes for targeting and ADME studies, and on the completion of scientific papers. You will be involved in several projects in cooperation with the departmental project groups “phytoeffectors”, “cancer agents & targeting”, “neuroactives”, and “peptides and mimetics”, support guests and PhD students to complete their theses, and with publications. Your tasks: Total and semi-synthesis of natural products and bioactives; Reaction and compound library design; Conjugation to targeting moieties and probes, especially fluorescent ones; Support of virtual and biological screening and QSAR based optimization; Documentation and presentation of results, drafting publications and patents; Lab supervision of students, support of guest scientists. You can find the complete job posting here.

Job list as of August 18, 2025

The Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and toxicology, Chair of Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical toxicology, at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg is seeking to fill a position as a pharmacist, chemist, or food chemist as a research assistant (doctoral student) (m/f/d) in our Mass Spectrometry Unit, starting January 1, 2026. The Mass Spectrometry Unit also functions as the Core Unit Metabolomics of the Faculty of Medicine. Previous practical experience in the field of LC-MS and/or GC-MS, as well as bioinformatics experience, is an advantage. Payment is according to TV-L E 13 (65%) with all public service benefits. The position is initially limited to 2 years (with the option of extension). Please send your application to Prof. Dr. by September 9, 2025 at the latest. MF Fromm, Director of the Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and toxicology, Fahrstraße 17, 91054 Erlangen, klinpharm-sekretariat@fau.de. The full call for proposals can be found here.

Job list as of August 11, 2025

The research group “Chemical Biology” (AG Schwarzer) at the Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry (IFIB) of the University of Tübingen invites applications for a Ph.D. Student position in the EpiSignal RTG. Starting date: October 1st, 2025. The aim of this Ph.D. project is to develop and use chemical tools to investigate protein modifications in the context of epigenetic gene regulation and signaling. The project combines new chemical synthesis strategies with cutting-edge methods of biochemistry and molecular biology, including chemo-enzymatic protein synthesis and proteomics. The PhD position will be part of the EpiSignal Research Training Group providing an excellent interdisciplinary research and training environment. Candidates with M.Sc. degrees in chemistry or biochemistry and strong interest in interdisciplinary research are encouraged to apply. Payment will be by TVL as a 65% position. Applications including a motivation letter with a brief description of qualifications and research background (max. 1 page), CV, title and summary of M.Sc. Thesis (max. 2 pages), scan of degree diplomas, and transcript of records should be sent by September 1st, 2025 via email to: episignal@ibc.uni-stuttgart.de.

Doctoral student (m/f/d, 65%) in the Food Systems Chemistry working group of the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich (Leibniz-LSB@TUM). The Food Systems Chemistry working group is seeking a doctoral student to join a project supervised by Prof. Dr. Corinna Dawid as soon as possible. Using modern, instrumental natural product analysis and human psychophysical techniques, the project will search for novel taste-active natural products and taste modulators in the sensorimetabolome and characterize them structurally and functionally. The position is part-time (65%) and initially limited to 3 years. Ideal candidates hold a master's degree in food chemistry or a related field; basic knowledge of (food) chemistry and/or analytics; an analytical, creative, and solution-oriented mindset; excellent written and spoken English skills; and a high level of self-motivation to achieve their doctorate. Please submit your application, including the usual documents, as a PDF file and quoting the reference number 2025-12-S1-CD by email to recruiting.leibnizlsb@tum.de by September 5, 2025. The full job description can be found here.

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