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.

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Job vacancy list dated May 11, 2026

The Institute of Food and One Health is seeking to fill the following position starting August 1, 2026: Research Associate (PhD position) in the field of Instrumental Analysis (salary scale 13 TV-L, 50%). The position is limited to three years (with the possibility of extension) and offers the opportunity to pursue a doctorate. Your responsibilities will include the following: (1) Analysis of fruit juices using chromatographic methods (HPLC-PDA, LC-qToF-MS), (2) Quantitative determination of secondary metabolites from human samples, (3) Independent software-supported data analysis and documentation, (4) Presentation of results at national and international Conferences, (5) Publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals, (6) Supervision of students (seminars, practical courses) as well as Bachelor's and Master's theses. For further information, please see here. Please send your application as a single PDF file to esatbeyoglu@foh.uni-hannover.de by May 29, 2026.

The Institute for Materials Chemistry (Director: Prof. Dr. Anjana Devi) offers in the working group Nanostructured Thin Film Materials at the IFW Dresden a PhD position (m/f/div) on the topic: Area-Selective Atomic Layer Deposition for Next-Generation Semiconductors, starting at 01.08.2026 in part-time with 26.8 hours per week (= 67% full-time equivalent), initially on a fixed-term contract for 12 months with the prospect of an extension for a further 24 months. Main Tasks: Development of atomic layer deposition (ALD)/area-selective deposition (ASD) processes for next-generation semiconductors, including fabrication of functional metal and oxide thin films and optimization of surface chemistry, inhibitors, and growth conditions for selective deposition. Also, characterization of deposited films and selective growth behavior via XPS, SEM, AFM, XRD, Raman, ellipsometry, electrical measurements, and other analytical methods to understand surface chemistry, nucleation mechanisms, and structure–property relationships in memristor devices. The employment contract is based on TV-L, EG 13 scale, 67% for 3 years. Start date is August 1st, 2026. Please send your application with informative documents in a single PDF file, citing the reference number 038-26-3500 not later than May 31, 2026 to bewerbung@ifw-dresden.de. More information here.

The Leibniz Junior Research Group Sustainable Nanomaterials of the Institute for Materials Chemistry at the IFW Dresden offers a PhD Candidate Position (m/f/div) to be filled on a fixed-term basis for 36 months. The position is to be filled on a part-time basis (67%). Main tasks: Research in the field of reusability of nanomaterials and their electronic devices within the framework of the Dresden Cluster of Excellence REC² – “Responsible Electronics in the Climate Change Era”. The position focuses on the chemical synthesis of functional, semiconducting nanomaterials, their processing and fabrication of functional layers, heterostructures, and electronic devices (eg, solar cells or photodetectors) with a particular focus on the reuse and recycling of the nanomaterials. The key task is the development of suitable methods for the controlled assembly and disassembly of nanomaterials while preserving their properties, accompanied by spectroscopic, microscopic, structural, and electrical characterization of the nanomaterials, layers, and devices. The contract of employment, including remuneration, is based on the collective bargaining law for the public service of the federal states, TV-L EG 13. Please send your application with informative documents in a single PDF file, citing the reference number 037-26-3400 not later than June 1th, 2026 to bewerbung@ifw-dresden.de. More information here.

University assistant predoctoral - PhD Position in Inorganic & Materials Chemistry, Institute of Functional Materials and Catalysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: June 1st, 2026 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Limited contract until: May 31, 2029. Job ID: 5571. Your personal sphere of influence: The Chin Research Group at the Department of Functional Materials and Catalysis at the Faculty of Chemistry develops advanced porous materials (MOF and COF) for sensing, energy conversion and catalysis. This PhD project aims to control the growth, alignment, and assembly of framework materials using external fields to create structured, anisotropic, and multifunctional materials. By coupling field-driven orientation with compositional design, the project will investigate how directional control over framework domains influences charge transport, optical response, and catalytic performance. Your future tasks: You actively participate in research, teaching & administration. You 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 materials synthesis and characterization; Excellent communication and data presentation skills; Fluent in English. Further information and application here. Application deadline: May 25, 2026.

Job vacancy list dated May 4, 2026

Scientific Project Assistant predoctoral, Institute of Materials Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: 04.05.2026 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Limited contract until: November 3rd, 2029. Job ID: 5583. Your personal sphere of influence: We invite applications for one PhD position in the Institute of Materials Chemistry & Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, associated with the Green Cycles of Renewable Materials program of the FWF-funded Cluster of Excellence - Circular Bioengineering. The position will focus on controlling the assembly of biopolymer colloids, we aim to end-functionalize biopolymer oligomers with carefully controlled polymer grafts to tailor associate dimensions and chemistry. Your future tasks: You actively participate in research, teaching & administration. This is part of your personality: Completed Master's degree or Diploma, in Chemistry; Experience in polymer synthesis and material characterization; Strong analytical skills, including chemical, morphological and physical characterization. Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment. Excellent communication skills in both German and English (written and spoken). Desirable Expertise: Familiarity with colloidal systems and their characterization. Further information and application here. Application deadline: May 4, 2026.

Job vacancy list dated April 27, 2026

Scientific employee (PhD student) for (f/m/d) for dust aerosol modeling. TROPOS is looking for a scientific employee (female/ male/ diverse) for the following tasks: Model development with the HAM aerosol module; Performing and evaluating numerical simulations; Investigating the impact of environmental changes on fire-driven dust emissions; Quantifying the aerosol-radiative forcing. As part of the research project “Aerosol-radiative forcing associated with fire-driven dust emissions in a changing environment”, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), a PhD position is available for 3 years. It is aimed at prospective PhD students who wish to conduct research on the fascinating topic of “dust in the Earth system” and who wish to combine model development with the investigation of the role of dust in the Earth system. The central research focus of the future post holder will be the further development of the dust module in the global aerosol-atmosphere model ICON-HAM, as well as the investigation of the radiative forcing of mineral dust aerosols in a changing environment. Further information on all the following postings can be found here.

Job vacancy list dated April 20, 2026

The Institute of Inorganic Chemistry is seeking to fill the following position as soon as possible: Research Associate with the aim of obtaining a doctorate in the field of materials chemistry (salary scale 13 TV-L, 50%). The position is limited to 36 months. The full text of the call for proposals and the data protection regulations can be found here. For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Sebastian Polarz (phone: +49 511 762-2254, email: sebastian.polarz@aca.uni-hannover.de ). Please submit your application with the usual documents by May 13, 2026, electronically to personal@aci.uni-hannover.de or alternatively by post to: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Hannah Pieper, Callinstraße 9, 30167 Hannover, Germany.

The DFG research training group BENCh at the Georg August University at Göttingen is seeking two doctoral candidates (E13 TV-L, 65%) in the field of experimental vibrational spectroscopy, one to work on the HyDRA blind challenge project and one on chirality recognition between molecules in the gas phase. We are looking for candidates holding (or completing) a Master's degree in chemistry or physics, who are interested in the spectroscopic testing of the ability of quantum-chemical methods to accurately describe micro-solvation and chiral intermolecular forces. The positions involve research using unique linear supersonic jet spectrometers with gas recycling and are available from August 1st, 2026. For further details, see here. Please send your application to msuhm@gwdg.de by June 1st, 2026.

PhD position (m/f/d) “Simulation of Solids” at the Department of Chemical Engineering at Münster University of Applied Sciences. What you can expect: You will work on a DFG-funded research project on cation diffusion in cerium oxide. This involves performing computer-aided DFT calculations and implementing and using Monte Carlo simulations to determine defect energies and diffusion coefficients. You will support the synthesis and characterization of solid samples. Furthermore, you will present and publish your research results in a scientific context. Finally, you will support teaching and the supervision of project and thesis theses. What you bring: You have successfully completed a Master's degree in Chemistry, physics, materials science , or a related field. Ideally, you have basic knowledge of solid-state and defect chemistry as well as atomistic simulation methods. You are also characterized by a high level of motivation for scientific work and strong teamwork skills. You are willing to collaborate closely with experimental research groups and external partners. What we offer: A part-time position (67%, 26 hours 41 minutes per week) limited to three years with remuneration according to pay grade 13 TV-L. You will have the explicit opportunity to pursue a doctorate, e.g., in cooperation with RWTH Aachen University. The complete job posting and Online form can be found here.

Job vacancy list dated April 13, 2026

The KühnelLab at the University of Hohenheim is seeking a motivated PhD student (m/f/d) in Artificial Photosynthesis (TVÖD 13, 50%). We are researching the sustainable production of raw materials using solar energy by combining nanomaterials with molecular catalysts and enzymes (https://kuehnel-lab.com). Our international team values ​​a positive working environment, open communication, and a strong work ethic. Responsibilities: Independently designing and conducting laboratory experiments, e.g., synthesis and modification of nanomaterials, testing them as photo-/electrocatalysts, and setting up test rigs; contributing to the organization and teaching of courses in the Department of Inorganic Chemistry (practical courses, tutorials). Requirements: Master's degree in Chemistry or a related field and excellent German language skills required; team spirit, enthusiasm for research, and a willingness to learn new work and analytical techniques. Please direct inquiries to moritz.kuehnel@uni-hohenheim.de. Online applications accepted until May 31, 2026. The full job posting can be found here.

Job vacancy list dated April 6, 2026

Postdoctoral Position in Inorganic Chemistry at the Institute of Chemistry at Chemnitz University of Technology to be filled as soon as possible. The position (100% TV-L 13) in the research group of Prof. Dr Robert Kretschmer is part of the project “AGILE”, funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The project focuses on the synthesis and investigation of bis(carbene) analogues of aluminum and gallium, and their use as selective reagents, efficient catalysts and ligands for transition metals. The tasks to be undertaken involve research work in the field of synthetic molecular chemistry under strictly inert conditions and the advanced utilization of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. In addition to excellent preparative skills, interest and initiative, a very good knowledge of inorganic chemistry is required. The facilities and size of our research group provide an excellent environment in terms of equipment and academic resources. The city of Chemnitz combines a wide range of cultural and leisure activities with affordable rents. Further information and application here. Application deadline: April 21, 2026.

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) – Enzyme Engineering for New-to-Nature Sulfur Chemistry. A postdoctoral position (TV-L E13, fixed term - 2 years) is available in the Manolikakes research group at the RPTU, Campus Kaiserslautern, for the project “BioFixSO₂”. This project aims to (re)design enzymes for new-to-nature reactions, focusing on biocatalytic incorporation of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) as an abundant but underused feedstock into small organic molecules. The project combines enzyme engineering, chemical biology, and artificial metalloenzyme design to create novel catalytic functions beyond natural limits. Tasks include discovery and enzyme engineering of enzymes for sulfur–carbon bond formation, applying directed evolution and rational design, and developing hybrid catalysts. Mechanistic and biochemical characterization will support these eVorts. The position enables impactful research and the development of new catalytic concepts in organosulfur chemistry. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant field, with strong experience in molecular biology and protein expression. Expertise in enzyme engineering, biocatalysis, or metalloenzymes are advantageous. The RPTU offers a collaborative environment, modern infrastructure, and strong support for career development. Applications, including CV, summary of previous research, publication list and references should be sent to Prof. Manolikakes at georg.manolikakes@chem.rptu.de.

University Assistant predoctoral, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: 07/01/2026 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Job ID: 5488. Your personal sphere of influence: This position focuses on developing new research directions in the field of homogeneous catalysis. In particular, you will work on the development of novel catalysts for previously unexplored transformations, as well as on the activation of inert substances. The employment contract is for a duration of 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the contract will be automatically extended to 4 years unless the employer issues a notice of non-extension within the first 12 months. Your future tasks: You will actively contribute to research, teaching, and administration. You will complete your doctoral thesis agreement within 12–18 months. This is part of your personality: A Master's degree or Diploma in chemistry or a related field. Experience in handling air-sensitive substances (particularly using glovebox techniques). Experience in organic synthesis or catalysis is an advantage. Strong ability to analyze scientific publications. Excellent command of English, both written and spoken (IELTS score ≥ 6.5). A high level of problem-solving skills and a passion for research. Ability to work both independently and as part of a research team. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Further information and application here. Application deadline: April 16, 2026.

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