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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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.

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.

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