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

Information for job advertisers with doctoral and post-doctoral positions

To the job list "Professors and young researchers"

Job list as of October 27, 2025

The Institute of Materials Chemistry at TU Wien, in the Molecular Materials Chemistry research group, is seeking to fill a position as a university assistant (post-doc), probably starting in December 2025 (40 hours per week, limited to an estimated period of 6 years) in the field of synthesis of MOFs/COFs, structural characterization of materials, catalysis, biomedical applications or optoelectronic/electrochemical sensor technology. Remuneration is based on the minimum wage of salary group B1 according to the collective agreement for university employees and is currently EUR 4,932.90 gross per month (14 per week) based on a 40-hour weekly employment. Previous service in this role can be credited. We look forward to receiving your application by November 20, 2025. Further information and application can be found at: https://jobs.tuwien.ac.at/Job/259366.

University Assistant PraeDoc, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: November 15, 2025. Working hours: 30.00. Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Limited contract until: November 14, 2028. Job ID: 4773. Your personal sphere of influence: A main aim of our work is the development of innovative approaches to target the role of transition metals in cancer growth. Your future tasks: You actively participate in administration, research and teaching. You will be expected to sign a doctoral thesis agreement within 12-18 months. This is part of your personality: You have a diploma or master's degree in chemistry, preferably with inorganic chemistry or equivalent qualification. Experience in the field of synthetic chemistry. Experience in characterization of novel structures. Basic experience in research methods and academic writing. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Very good knowledge of German and English. Further information and application. Application deadline: November 5th, 2025.

University Assistant postdoctoral, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: December 1st, 2025. Working hours: 40.00. Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc). Job ID: 4809. The González research group at the Institute of Theoretical Chemistry aims at understanding chemical phenomena using contemporary computational and theoretical methods. We employ and extend ab initio quantum chemistry to understand and predict structure and reactivity in the ground and electronic excited states. Further, we use and develop classical and quantum dynamical methods to explain molecular photochemical processes, also in complex environments. Your future tasks: Active participation in research, teaching & administration. This is part of your personality: A PhD in Theoretical Chemistry, Computational Physics or a related field of research. Experience in method development, either quantum chemistry and/or nonadiabatic dynamics. Strong programming skills, especially in Python and/or C/C++/Fortran. Knowledge on software development kits for quantum computing. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills. Further information and application. Application deadline: November 7th, 2025.

University Assistant PraeDoc, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: November 15, 2025. Working hours: 30.00. Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Limited contract until: November 14, 2028. Job ID: 4774. Your personal sphere of influence: A main aim of our work is the development of innovative approaches to target the role of transition metals in cancer growth. The contract duration is 3 years with a preliminary limitation of 1.5 years and will automatically be extended to 3 years unless the employer hands in a non-extension declaration after 12 months. An extension up to a total of 4 years is then possible provided the excellent performance of the candidate. Your future tasks: You actively participate in administration, research and teaching. You will be expected to sign a doctoral thesis agreement within 12-18 months. This is part of your personality: You have a diploma or master's degree in chemistry, preferably with inorganic chemistry or equivalent qualification. Experience in the field of synthetic chemistry. Experience in characterization of novel structures. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Very good knowledge of German and English. Further information and application. Application deadline: November 5th, 2025.

12 Doctoral Researcher Positions within DFG Research Training Group “Mixed Ionic-Electronic Transport: From Fundamentals to Applications” (GRK 2948). The DFG-funded Research Training Group “Mixed Ionic-Electronic Transport: From Fundamentals to Applications” ( www.grk2948.uni-heidelberg.de ) is an interdisciplinary structured doctoral program at Heidelberg University and the University of Stuttgart. We explore how ions and electrons interact with each other in organic, hybrid and nanoscale materials with the aim to create new functionalities for sensors, soft actuators and bioelectronics. The fundamental nature of ion-electron interactions in relation to electronic, optical and mechanical properties are investigated with a wide range of modern techniques such as in-situ and time-resolved spectroscopies/microscopies as well as rheological measurements on different length scales. Experiments are accompanied by modeling from the atomistic level to the macroscale. More information here. We offer a number of open positions for doctoral researchers with a temporary employment contract for up to 42 months (75% TVL-E13) starting in April 2026. Application procedure: Choose a project here and submit your documents as soon as possible but latest by 15th December 2025 through the JoinUs platform. For further information please contact: grk2948@uni-heidelberg.de.

University Assistant PraeDoc, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: November 1st, 2025. Working hours: 30.00. Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Job ID: 4788. Your personal sphere of influence: A main aim of our work is the development of innovative approaches to elucidate the role of transition metals in cancer growth. Projects will involve the characterization of biological activities of novel anticancer compounds, including metal complexes and/or metal-binding agents, in two- and three-dimensional in-vitro models. The contract duration is 3 years with a preliminary limitation of 1.5 years and will automatically be extended to 3 years unless the employer hands in a non-extension declaration after 12 months. An extension up to a total of 4 years is then possible provided the excellent performance of the candidate. Your future tasks: You actively participate in administration, research and teaching. You will be expected to sign a doctoral thesis agreement within 12-18 months. This is part of your personality: You have a diploma or masters degree in molecular biology, biological chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry, or equivalent qualification. Experience in mammalian cell culture techniques and characterization of compound bioactivity. Basic experience in research methods and academic writing. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Very good knowledge of English, basic knowledge of German. Further information and application. Application deadline: November 5th, 2025.

University Assistant Predoctoral, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: December 1st, 2025. Working hours: 30.00. Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Limited contract until: November 30, 2028. Job ID: 4816. This position is embedded within the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering, which is revolutionizing how we think about sustainable production. By combining bioengineering, materials science, and chemistry, the cluster aims to develop innovative, closed-loop material cycles for zero-waste production and maximum resource efficiency. The research focuses on mathematical modeling, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing for biotechnological applications. The project aims to develop computational tools for bioprocess optimization, combining modeling, simulation, and data-driven methods to improve the efficiency and robustness of microbial and enzymatic production systems. Your future tasks: Active participation in research, teaching and administration. It is expected that you sign a doctoral thesis agreement within 6-12 months and complete your PhD thesis within the project duration. This is part of your personality: Master's degree in Data Science, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Chemical Engineering, Systems Biology, or a related field. Good programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages. Experience with mathematical modeling, process optimization, or AI methods is highly desirable. Further information and application. Application deadline: November 5th, 2025.

Job list as of October 20, 2025

The DFG research training group BENCh at the Georg August University at Göttingen is seeking a doctoral candidate (E13 TV-L, 65%) in the field of experimental vibrational spectroscopy for the purpose of quantum-chemical theory benchmarking and database building. We are looking for candidates holding a Master's degree in chemistry or physics and having a high motivation to blind-challenge theoretical methods by accurate cryogenic gas phase cluster experiments in the field of microhydration. The position is available from January 1st, 2026, for three years. Further details may be found in the official job advertisement under ID 76103. Please apply by October 31, 2025 using this link. Applications which are a few days late may still be considered.

The Institute for Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry (ITUC) at Friedrich Schiller University Jena is seeking a doctoral candidate (E13 TV-L, 65%) in the field of Electrochemically Mediated Direct Air Capture of CO2 (DAC). The position is part of the Junior Group “QuiCCoDAC” funded by the foundation “Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung” and offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative electrochemical systems for CO2 capture. We are looking for candidates with a Master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related disciplines, strong experimental skills, and an interest in sustainable technologies. The position is available from January 1st, 2026, for a period of three years. Further information is available in the official job advertisement ( German / English ). Please apply by November 3rd, 2025, via this Link or contact tilmann.neubert@uni-jena.de.

Research Associate (m/f/d) limited to January 1, 2026, part-time (67%) for the Faculty of Chemistry, physical chemistry I working group , Bielefeld University. Prof. Dr. Angelika Kühnle's working group focuses on molecular structure formation at surfaces and interfaces. The focus of research is the investigation of the physical-chemical mechanisms responsible for molecular self-organization and reactions on the surface of insulators. The interplay of investigations in ultra-high vacuum and at the solid-liquid interface allows in-depth insight into the processes that take place at the atomic and molecular scale. Research tasks include the conception and implementation of measurements with the atomic force microscope in ultra-high vacuum at various temperatures. A completed university degree (Master's, Diploma) in chemistry, physics , or a related field is required. Excellent knowledge and experience in the field of high-resolution atomic force microscopy in dynamic mode and temperature-programmed desorption are expected, as well as very good knowledge of conducting experiments in ultra-high vacuum and molecular processes on surfaces. Remuneration according to TV-L, E13. The position is intended for further scientific qualification (PhD) in a research focus of the working group . Applications should be submitted by October 30, 2025, via the online form. Link to the full job advertisement ( reference number Wiss25417 ).

Job list as of October 13, 2025

The Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (www.icbm.de) at the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg is seeking to fill a postdoctoral position (E13 TV-L) in the Organic Geochemistry working group for a period of three years as soon as possible. You will carry out projects on the biogeochemistry and geomicrobiology of B vitamins and coenzyme A thioesters and take on teaching duties in our Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. You have an academic degree (Master or equivalent) in chemistry, environmental or geosciences or a related discipline and a PhD in analytical organic chemistry or molecular organic geochemistry. Experience in chromatography, mass spectrometry, the coupling of these techniques and/or isotope geochemistry is desirable. We are looking for a highly motivated co-worker with initiative, the ability to work in a team and experience and willingness to engage in interdisciplinary research. Further information can be found here. Please send your application with the usual documents (cover letter/motivation, informative CV, list of publications, certificates) in German or English in a single pdf file to heinz.wilkes@uni-oldenburg.de. The closing date for applications is November 15, 2025.

PhD Position in Bioinorganic Chemistry and Chemical Biology – the Francis Crick Institute (London, UK). At the Francis Crick Institute, the Hess Lab is offering a PhD position. The group of Dr Jeannine Hess is active at the interface of chemistry and biology, developing innovative metal-based technologies for drug discovery and fundamental biological research. We combine synthetic inorganic and organometallic chemistry with chemical biology and biochemistry to design novel therapeutic candidates and chemical probes. Our research focuses on exploiting unique metal-specific properties including ligand exchange, redox reactivity, and catalysis to tackle challenging and "undruggable" protein targets. A key component of our work is the development of heterobifunctional metal complexes and targeted protein degradation strategies, including our recently developed LAMP-D technology (Light-Activated Metal-dependent Protein Degradation). Activities are focused on designing, synthesizing, and characterizing metal-based compounds, and evaluating their biological activity, mechanism of action, and therapeutic potential against drug-resistant bacteria and other disease-relevant targets. As an inclusive and cross-disciplinary group, we welcome motivated researchers from a range of scientific backgrounds including chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, or related fields. Applications until 5th November 2025 via the portal here.

Job list as of October 6, 2025

Research Associate (m/f/d) limited from February 1, 2026, part-time (75%) for the Department of Environmental Analysis at the Justus Liebig University Gießen. The position is part of a joint research project of the universities of Gießen and Kassel, Adaptation to Drought: The Surface- soil-Groundwater Buffer under Climate Stress (ADAPT); the investigations in this subproject analyze micropollutants and their transformation products in water, soil, and plant samples. The position is limited to a period of 42 months at the Chair of food chemistry and Food Biotechnology, Institute of food chemistry and Food Biotechnology, Department of Biology and Chemistry. If the collective agreement requirements are met, remuneration will be according to salary group 13 TV-H. Apply using the online form by October 15, 2025, quoting reference number 483/08. Link to the full job advertisement here.

The Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry at Merseburg University of Applied Sciences is seeking to fill a position as a Research Associate (m/f/d) in the Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry. The position will be 75% (30 hours per week) until November 30, 2026, and will be reduced to 50% (20 hours per week) from December 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027. Willingness to increase the number of hours per week if additional financial resources are available is desired. Compensation will be based on the collective agreement for the public service of the German states (TV-L) up to TV-L 13, subject to personal qualifications. The position is intended for further scientific qualification as a PhD or postdoc. Responsibilities include the optimization of the synthesis of polyvinyl acetals from an industrial perspective in close collaboration with FEW Chemicals in Bitterfeld. Knowledge of organic synthesis and analytics (including NMR) is required. Interested, or do you have any questions? Then please contact Prof. Dr. Thomas Rödel (+49 3461 46 2165 or thomas.roedel@hs-merseburg.de. Applications by email until October 31, 2025.

At the Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, in the Research Unit of Applied Solid State Chemistry TU Wien is offering a Postdoc position. T he group of Prof. Thomas Sheppard is active at the interface of chemistry, chemical engineering, and physics. We combine fundamental and applied research in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, with development of advanced characterization tools based on spectroscopy, diffraction, and imaging. Research using synchrotron radiation (X-rays) and large-scale facilities is an important component of our work. Activities are focused on designing, characterizing, and improving catalytic systems and other functional materials. This comes from applying in situ / operando methods to study systems at work, as well as spatially-resolved methods to cross the pressure and scale gap between model laboratory based systems and industrial applications. As an inclusive and cross-disciplinary group, we welcome motivated researchers from a range of scientific backgrounds. Applications until October 30, 2025 via the portal here. For further details please contact: thomas.sheppard@tuwien.ac.at.

The International Max Planck Research School for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials (IMPRS-CPQM) offers up to ten PhD positions in the research fields of solid-state chemistry and condensed matter physics. Further information about the IMPRS-CQPM – including a complete list of all offered PhD projects and detailed application guidelines – is available here. The IMPRS-CPQM is a joint PhD program between the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, and the University of St Andrews, Scotland. By working together, we create a highly attractive overall package of PhD level research in the broadly defined field of quantum materials. Our program builds on world‐class research activities at the three institutions and will provide successful candidates with a stimulating environment and the opportunity to interact and work with leading scientists from the three sites. Excellent candidates from any country are encouraged to apply. Applicants are expected to have an outstanding bachelor's or master's degree in a field of study which is well-aligned with our research activities. We are committed to increasing the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. We have also set ourselves the goal of employing more people with severe disabilities. Closing date for application is November 30, 2025. Successful applicants will be expected to start no later than September 2026.

University assistant predoctoral, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Job ID: 4680. Your personal sphere of influence: The Chin Research Group at the Department of Functional Materials and Catalysis focuses on colloidal and MOF/COF materials for emerging applications. The project aims to control the growth and assembly of MOFs and COFs using external fields, while also exploring innovative DNA-assisted strategies for assembling MOF and COF particles into ordered architectures. These approaches will be directed towards catalysis and photonic materials applicationsexternal fields, with applications in catalysis, photonics, optical encoding and sensing. The employment is initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible. Your future tasks: You actively participate in research, teaching & administration. You should finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months. This is part of your personality: Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline. Strong background in inorganic or materials chemistry. Experience in the basic handling of DNA or peptides is an advantage. Experience in materials synthesis and characterization. Fluent in English (German is an advantage). Further information here. If you have any questions, please contact: Jia Min Chin, jiamin.chin@univie.ac.at. Application deadline: October 15, 2025.

Job list as of September 29, 2025

PhD position in metal-organic frameworks at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. The research group of Prof. Dr. Hana Bunzen from the Chair of Inorganic Chemistry welcomes applications for a Ph.D. position with a limited contract of three years according to the salary level E 13 TV-L (65%). This position is to start at the earliest opportunity. You must hold a Master's degree in Chemistry, preferably in inorganic chemistry. Previous experience in working with coordination compounds and materials is desirable. Candidates should have expertise in analytical and spectroscopic tools, namely XRD, IR, UV-Vis, NMR, microscopy and good language skills in English and German. Please submit your application (motivation letter, CV and academic certificates) by 20th October 2025 in electronic form via the university's application portal. Please, find more information here.

The Koszinowski working group at the Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry at the University of Göttingen is seeking a PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of physical organic/organometallic chemistry, working 50% of the regular weekly working hours, for a period of three years. The project aims to characterize the elementary step of reductive elimination. Organometallic model complexes will be synthesized and their reactivity will be investigated, particularly the competition between concerted reductive elimination and radical loss. In addition to solution experiments, mass spectrometric investigations in the gas phase will be particularly important for determining microscopic reactivity. Applications (CV, motivation letter, overview of academic achievements, publication list, and two references combined in a single PDF file) are requested by October 13, 2025, to konrad.koszinowski@chemie.uni-goettingen.de with the subject "Application for a PhD position in reductive eliminations." The full job description can be found here.

The Institute for Materials Chemistry at the IFW Dresden, Germany offers a Postdoctoral position (m/f/div) on the topic: Organometallic and precursor chemistry. Main Tasks: Design, synthesis and characterization of organic ligands for the development of organometallic precursors for thin film deposition by atomic layer processing (ALD, ASD, MOCVD); Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of novel precursors using newly synthesized ligands; Implementing, and analyzing experiments on both test and preparatory scales; scaling up of precursors in gram scale batches for thin film deposition of functional nanostructured materials; Characterizing precursors via SC-XRD, NMR, FTIR, Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA) and other analytical methods. Your Profile: We are looking for highly motivated candidates (m/f/div) with a PhD degree in inorganic chemistry, organometallic or organic chemistry who are interested in carrying out interdisciplinary research. For more information please check our homepage here. The expected start date is 01/01/2026. Please send your application with informative documents (letter of motivation, which describing the research career goals, CV, relevant transcripts, training certificates, and contact details for at least two professional references) exclusively in electronic form and in a PDF file, citing the reference number 053-26-3000, no later than October 31 2025, bewerbung@ifw-dresden.de.

Job list as of September 22, 2025

University Assistant postdoctoral, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: 09/15/2025 | Working hours: 40.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc). Limited contract until: September 14, 2029. Job ID: 4536. Your future tasks: Active participation in research in the field of stereoselective synthesis of organic compounds, teaching & administration. This is part of your personality: Completed doctoral studies in Chemistry with excellent theoretical and practical knowledge of Organic Chemistry. Experience in modern methods for synthesis and analysis in organic chemistry, including work under an inert atmosphere. Experience with organic electrochemistry. Experience with highly strained small ring systems. Experience with the design of bioactive and biorthogonal small molecules. Experience in academic writing and with research methods. Excellent command of written and spoken English. IT user skills. You have didactic knowledge and/or prior experience. Further information and applicationhere. If you have any questions, please contact: Nuno Maulide, nuno.maulide@univie.ac.at. Application deadline: 10/01/2025.

As part of a co-operation project with the company Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, we are looking for a dedicated academic co-worker for the investigation of novel remineralization agents in the context of dental research. This interdisciplinary research project deals with basic mechanisms of de- and remineralization on human teeth. Main goal is the development of new biomimetic strategies for caries prophylaxis and tooth preservation. The opportunity of achieving a doctorate is given. We expect the applicant to have completed a relevant scientific university degree (eg Master's degree) in Chemistry, Physics, Bio-Chemistry, materials science or comparable discipline, a high degree of initiative, ability to work in a team and scientific curiosity as well as independent, structured and goal-oriented way of working and quick comprehension. The basic knowledge in Atomic Force Microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and small- and wide-angle scattering of X-rays (SAXS/WAXS) are also desirable. Applications must be submitted via the portal on the Bielefeld University website here. If you have any questions please contact Prof. Dr. Thomas Hellweg, Tel. 0521-106 2055 / 6888, thomas.hellweg@uni-bielefeld.de. The application deadline is October 15th, 2025.

PhD position within the ERC project AGILE at the Institute of Chemistry at the Technical University of Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture 2025, to be filled as soon as possible. The position as a "Research Associate (m/f/d) (60%, salary group 13 TV-L)" in the working group of Prof. Dr. Robert Kretschmer at Chemnitz University of Technology is advertised as part of the project "Bis(carbene) Analogues of Aluminium and Gallium as Building Blocks for Highly Selective Reagents and Next Generation Catalysts – AGILE" funded by the European Union and the European Research Council (ERC). The focus of the project is on the preparation and investigation of bis(carbene) analogues of aluminium and gallium and their use as selective reagents, efficient catalysts, and as ligands for transition metals. The position is suitable for PhD candidates, and the tasks to be performed include research in the field of synthetic molecular chemistry. In addition to excellent preparative skills, interest, and initiative, in-depth knowledge of inorganic chemistry is required. The equipment and size of our research group provide an excellent scientific environment. The city of Chemnitz combines a wide range of cultural and leisure activities with affordable rents. A complete job description can be found here. Application deadline: September 30, 2025.

PhD student (65%, E13 TV-L) in the research group Metabolic Functions & Biosignals at the Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich. The ideal applicant has a degree (master's degree) in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular / cell biology, or related field. Your area of ​​responsibility includes the characterizing metal-chemoreceptors-interactions in a cellular model system using mostly biochemical and cell assay biology including sensory studies, quantification of heavy metals using ICP-MS techniques. In addition to above-average interest in the topic, we are seeking a creative, passionate individual with excellent interpersonal communication, time-management skills, commitment to laboratory safety & handling laboratory equipment with care, and strong willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment. We are looking for a highly motivated team player who can work independently as well. Advanced knowledge and practical experience in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, as well as in cell culture techniques and a great ambition and motivation to work on complex research questions by applying cutting edge experimental methodologies complete your profile. Please address any questions on current topics to Dr. Phil Richter ( p.richter.leibniz-lsb@tum.de ). Please send your written application with the usual documents electronically to the following address, citing the reference number 2025-15-S2-VS: Anja Albrecht (HR) recruiting.leibniz-lsb@tum.de. You can find the complete job advertisement here.

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