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 vacancy list dated June 22, 2026

2 ERC funded PhD positions in synthetic organic chemistry – (3 years). We are looking for a motivated scientist to join our team as a PhD student to develop new photochemical methods which enable the synthesis of structurally complex organoboron scaffolds. Our ERC grant, LUMIBOR, focuses on boron hybridization and how these factors regulate, or elicit, light-driven processes. Specifically, how hybridization can modulate and influence both efficiency of photoactivation and subsequent reactivity of high-energy intermediates. Harnessing this reactivity, the focus will be on developing operationally simple protocols which allow the rapid formation of biologically relevant scaffolds containing an organoboron residue for downstream synthetic manipulations. How to apply: Please submit a single PDF document by email (subject line: LUMIBOR PhD) including: Letter of Motivation, Letter of Motivation, CV, Transcripts, Contact information for two references. Contact: John.molloy@fu-berlin.de, +49 30 838 56570. Begin October 2026. Application Deadline: July 10, 2026.

University Assistant Predoctoral, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: 07/01/2026 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Limited contract until: June 30, 2029. Job ID: 5794. Your personal sphere of influence: The goal is the development, optimization and validation of DNA based methods for the authentication of food. The project combines state-of-the-art molecular biology, analytical chemistry and bionformatics approaches. The term of employment is 3 years. The employment contract, which is initially limited to 1.5 years, is automatically extended to 3 years unless the employer terminates it. An extension to a maximum total of 4 years is possible. 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, preferably with a focus on analytical chemistry or food chemistry or an equivalent qualification. Experience in the area food analysis. Initial experience in scientific writing. Didactic competences / experience with e-learning. Excellent command of written and spoken English (B2), furthermore very good command of German (B2). Further information and application here. Application deadline: June 22, 2026

University Assistant PraeDoc, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: 08/01/2026 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Job ID: 5789. 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 and to exploit the unique properties of metal complexes in anticancer drug discovery. Projects will involve the characterization of biological activities of novel compounds. 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 will be actively involved in research, teaching, and administration. 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 molecular biology, immunobiology, biological chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry, or equivalent qualification. Experience in mammalian cell culture techniques and characterization of compound bioactivity. Basic experience in cancer research, immunology, and academic writing. Experience in academic teaching. Very good knowledge of English, basic knowledge of German. Further information and application here. Application deadline: July 6th, 2026.

Job vacancy list dated June 15, 2026

PhD position at TU Darmstadt within the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1487 "Iron, upgraded!". The working group of Prof. Dr. Christian Hess at TU Darmstadt is seeking a PhD candidate in the field of operando catalysis within the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1487 "Iron, upgraded!". This research project combines heterogeneous catalysis with state-of-the-art operando spectroscopic methods for investigating iron-based catalysts for sustainable chemical processes. The methods employed include operando IR, Raman, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The position offers the opportunity to pursue a PhD in an interdisciplinary and internationally renowned research environment. Further information can be found here.

A PhD project is available in the EU MCSA doctoral network TRILOGY in the group of Prof. Dr. Carmen Herrmann at the University of Hamburg on “First principles description of ultrafast charge and spin dynamics”. Goals: 1. validate first-principles electronic structure methods for describing femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron dichroism spectra (PECD), in particular real-time time-dependent density functional theory. 2. validate and develop first-principles methodology for describing the effect of nuclear motion in PECD. 3. explore the relationship between chemical structure and charge and spin dynamics in time-resolved PECD and identify molecules for future key experiments. These goals will be pursued with collaboration partners in experiment and theory both in Hamburg and at national and international partner institutions within the Trilogy Network. The PhD project includes and funds two 3-month research stays in partner institutions. For further information and application by July 5th 2026: here.

PhD position in Synthetic Organic Materials (University of Zurich; start: September 2026). Join our international research team to explore nanographene π-radicals and develop next-generation graphene-based materials. In this fully funded PhD project (up to 4 years), you will synthesize and characterize open-shell molecular graphene fragments and investigate their radical reactivity at the interface of organic synthesis, materials science, and supramolecular chemistry. We seek a highly motivated candidate with an MSc degree in Chemistry (or equivalent), an excellent academic record, and experience in synthetic organic chemistry and molecular characterization. Excellent English skills are required. We offer a supportive research environment, conference opportunities, and an international team. Please submit a single PDF containing a cover letter, our application form, CV, transcripts, research summary, and contact details of two referees via the application portal here. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Deadline: June 30, 2026.

The Institute of Materials Chemistry is seeking to fill a position as a University Assistant (Post-Doc) (40 hours, limited to 2 years). Your tasks: Synthesis and characterization of metal-organic framework structures (MOFs), determination of optoelectronic properties, evaluation of materials with regard to photocatalytic applications and solar batteries, teaching (synthesis laboratory) and participation in examinations, project work and management of project groups, publication activities, participation in and organization of scientific events, supervision of students, participation in organizational and administrative tasks as well as evaluation measures. Your profile: Completion of a relevant doctorate, knowledge of scientific work in the fields of inorganic, organometallic and reticular chemistry, expertise in the synthesis of MOFs as well as their structural elucidation and material characterization, expertise in photocatalytic applications, experience in project management and with presentations, in-depth knowledge in the field, interdisciplinary work, experience in teaching and publication activities, organizational and analytical skills as well as a structured working style, interest in and enjoyment of research and working with students, excellent knowledge of German and English (C1), teamwork skills and problem-solving skills. You can find more information here.

Job vacancy list dated June 8, 2026

Postdoc position in Sustainable Organic Chemistry is available ASAP at the University of Antwerp, Belgium. The research project deals with the development of new catalytic methodologies to transform biorenewable platform molecules into building blocks for the chemical industry and involves a collaboration with KULeuven (complementary expertise in the characterization of surfaces at nanoscale, modeling and heterogeneous catalysis). The ideal candidate holds a PhD in chemistry with hands-on experience in analytical separation and preparative purification techniques, and structural characterization of organic molecules. The ability to work in a team, good communication/writing skills and a good mastery of the English language are required. Interest in multidisciplinary research is a strong advantage. To apply, send a CV, motivation letter and contact details of 2 previous supervisors to VacancyORSY@uantwerpen.be before July 5th, 2026. Mention “Application postdoc iBOF” in the subject line. More details about our research group here.

Job vacancy list as of June 1, 2026

PhD position at the University of Kassel. The Institute of Chemistry at the University of Kassel, in cooperation with a Japanese research institute, is seeking to fill a PhD position (part-time, 67%, pay grade EG13 TV-H) focusing on electronic structure methods for functional oxides. Further information and applications are available here until June 16, 2026.

A PhD position is available at the Institute of Organic Chemistry at the TU Clausthal in the group of Prof. Dr. René Wilhelm. The PhD topic deals with the synthesis of new organic and metalorganic photocatalysts and their application in organic photoredox reactions. The PhD position is for at least 3 years, salary scale TV-L E13 (50%). Requirements: a good Master degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, a good knowledge and synthetic skill in organic chemistry and good communication skills in English. For further information please contact Prof. Dr. René Wilhelm. Please send your application (cover letter, CV, academic certificates, transcript of records, and contact information of references (if you are from outside Germany) as a single pdf file to the secretary office of the Institute of Organic Chemistry at the Clausthal University of Technology: silke.baumgarten@tu-clausthal.de. Closing date for applications: July 01, 2026.

University Assistant Predoctoral, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Vienna. Job vacancy starting: June 1st, 2026 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc). Job ID: 5651. Your personal sphere of influence: The methodology-driven research plan supports cutting-edge biotechnology in the areas of mass spectrometry method development and the development of new, bio-based materials. The employment duration is 3 years. An extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible if the employee proves themselves and makes 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. Experience in the field of bioanalytical chemistry. Initial experience in scientific writing. Didactic competences / experience with e-learning. IT user skills: MS Office. Excellent command of written and spoken English (B2), furthermore very good command of German (B2). Further information and application here. Application deadline: May 31, 2026.

Job vacancy list dated May 25, 2026

PhD Positions in Spectroscopy and Catalysis (University of Zurich). We are seeking PhD students to work in the group of Asst. Prof. Bogdan Dereka. Our ERC project Electric Field eFfects In Chemistry And CatalYsis (EFFICACY) aims to study microscopic electric fields and elucidate their role in catalysis. The group's core expertise is in advanced ultrafast spectroscopy, and you'll be part of the team building a new laser lab from scratch based on brand-new equipment and novel laser technology. Combined with the existing state-of-the-art approaches at the University of Zurich, tailored probes, electrochemistry and simulations it aims at comprehensive picture of electrostatics influencing reactivity. More information here. Salary starts at 50,404 CHF +15% social costs and increases according to preset rates. Apply here by submitting your application as a single pdf including CV, motivation letter/statement of research interests/experience, academic transcripts, names of 2 references. Consideration of applications continues until positions are filled.

The Faculty of Chemistry and food chemistry at TU Dresden invites applications for a research assistant position (m/f/d) at the Chair of Inorganic Chemistry II, starting September 1, 2026 (salary grade E 13 TV-L, subject to meeting the personal requirements) and ending August 31, 2029 (contractual term according to the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG)), with a workload of 60% of the regular weekly working hours. Opportunities for further academic qualification (generally a doctorate) are available. Responsibilities include the synthesis of betaine-based ionic liquids or deep eutectic solvents, their characterization using powder and single-crystal X-ray diffractometry, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and thermal analysis, as well as the investigation of the solubility of these systems for technically relevant metal-containing substances, with optimization of process parameters. We are seeking applicants with a university degree in chemistry or related fields and very good knowledge of inorganic chemistry and analytical methods. The full job posting can be found here.

Position at the Dpt. Organic Chemistry of the University of Hohenheim: The Gellrich group is developing molecular catalysts for applications in organic synthesis & energy storage. We are now seeking a dedicated chemist to develop metal-free catalysts for the semihydrogenation of alkynes using data science methods, offering a two-third position with the opportunity to pursue a doctorate. The position is a fixed-term contract ending on December 31, 2027 but we are aiming for an extension. Your responsibilities will include synthesizing the catalysts, conducting catalytic reactions, and interpreting the results through multivariate analysis. A degree in chemistry, preferably with a focus on organic chemistry, is required. Experience with computational chemistry is a plus, an interest in interdisciplinary work and data science is essential. What we offer: salary grade 13 TVL, a workplace on “Germany's most beautiful campus”, a professional, young team & a collegial, team-oriented working atmosphere with the opportunity to contribute to a newly established & evolving research group. If you are interested, we look forward to your application! Please apply here.

PhD position (50% E13 TV-L) in the field of synthesis and evaluation of targeted plant compounds at Saarland University. Bioorganic Chemistry at Saarland University focuses on the development, synthesis, and characterization of bioactive small molecules in the context of natural product and drug chemistry, with a particular emphasis on structure-activity relationships and the targeted modulation of biochemical systems. A new research project focuses on targeted interventions in plant biochemistry using small molecules. The aim is to improve seed germination and strengthen plant defenses against viral infections. Both aspects contribute to improving global food security in the long term. We are offering a three-year PhD position (50% E13 TV-L) to a motivated and highly motivated early-career researcher (m/f/d) starting as soon as possible. This includes independent research in the synthesis and evaluation of targeted active ingredients for plants, as well as teaching responsibilities and participation in local, regional, national, and international research collaborations. If desired, the doctorate can also be completed through a cotutelle program with the University of Perpignan Via Domitia. Further information can be found here.

Job vacancy list dated May 18, 2026

Three PhD positions (f/m/d) in Biochemistry/Life Science, Bioorganic Chemistry Research Group (Prof. Marie-T. Hopp), University of Koblenz (Reference number 052/2026). The Bioorganic Chemistry Research Group is seeking to fill three PhD positions (50% TV-L E13) for a period of three years, starting as soon as possible. The position is linked to a doctoral program and involves experimental work in the field of peptide/protein (bio)chemistry. Applicants must hold an M.Sc. degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Life Science, pharmacy , or a related discipline. Please submit your application by June 15, 2026, quoting reference number 052/2026, to the University of Koblenz ( bewerbung@uni-koblenz.de ). Further information about the position can be found here and via email. Further information about the research working group can be found here.

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