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 vacancy list dated September 28, 2026

PhD position at RWTH Aachen University University in the field of solid-state NMR spectroscopy applied to polymer mechanochemistry. The research group of Prof. Dr. Thomas Wiegand at the Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University University, is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate (TVL-13, 67%) for a project within the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center Polymer Mechanochemistry. The project aims to investigate covalent and non-covalent bond cleavage in high molar mass nucleic acids induced by ultrasound using advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy under magic-angle spinning conditions. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary and internationally visible research environment at the interface of polymer mechanochemistry, nucleic acid chemistry and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Applications, including a CV and the contact details of two professional references, should be sent to wiegand@itmc.rwth-aachen.de by 16 October 2026. Further information is available here.

PhD position in Chemistry at RWTH Aachen University University in the field of solid-state NMR spectroscopy applied to colloidal networks. The research group of Prof. Dr. Thomas Wiegand at the Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University University, is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate (TVL-13, 67%) for a project within the DFG-funded Research Training Group Adaptive Soft Matter through Programming Colloidal Gels with Biological Building Blocks (EMERGE). EMEREGE strives to create a new generation of adaptive colloidal gels that opens new perspectives for applications in medicine, biotechnology, catalysis, and plant protection. EMERGE also takes on a training role, offering a structured qualification program, international research stays, and close collaborations with international experts to prepare doctoral researchers for career paths in both, academia and industry. Applications, including a CV and the contact details of two professional references, should be sent to wiegand@itmc.rwth-aachen.de by 16 October 2026. Further information is available here.

PhD position or Research assistant (f/m/d) in the research group of Prof. Dr. Kai Zhang, Faculty for Forest Sciences, as well as Wöhler Research Institute of Sustainable Chemistry (WISCh), University of Göttingen. Pay group 13 TV-L/75%. Starting date is as soon as possible. The position is for 36 months. You will conduct individual and collaborative research projects on sustainable and functional composite materials primarily by using lignocellulosic materials. You hold a Master's or PhD degree in related disciplines, such as Materials Science, Polymer Science, Soft Matter, or Physical Chemistry, and have a strong interest in experimental research and the quantitative investigation of functional materials. Detailed duties expected for this position and the profiles of the candidates we are looking for can be found in the position description here. Please upload your application in one pdf file including the usual documents until 10/7/2026 on the application portal of the university here. For more information get in touch with Kirsten Rattelmüller directly via email: kirsten. rattelmueller@forst.uni-goettingen.de, Tel. +495513924039.

Job vacancy list dated September 21, 2026

As part of a joint research project between the University of Rostock, Photonion GmbH, and JDE Peet's, a doctoral position (m/f/d) in Analytical Chemistry/ food chemistry is available starting November 1, 2026. The doctoral research will focus on investigating novel methods of coffee roasting under elevated pressure and with steam. Experimental roasting trials will be combined with real-time photoionization mass spectrometry (PI-MS), complementary chemical and sensory analysis, multivariate data analysis, and machine learning. Applicants should hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Chemistry, food chemistry/Technology, Process Engineering, physics , or related fields. The position is a two-thirds full-time position (2/3 full-time equivalent) based at Photonion GmbH and is remunerated according to the German public sector pay scale TV-L E13. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with the University of Rostock. The position is for a four-year term. Applications should be submitted by September 30, 2026, to: Dr. Sven Ehlert, Photonion GmbH, ehlert@photonion.de.

The University of Konstanz is offering a Ph.D. position (13-TV-L/50%) for a motivated student interested in gaining a Ph.D. in Colloidal Chemistry. The research project, which is at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and materials science, will cover the synthesis and characterization of organic nanoparticles. This involves developing and optimizing synthesis strategies and conducting careful investigations of particle morphology, including the use of AI-based methods. Requirements: Prior experience with nanomaterials (colloids and polymers), the ability to conduct independent research, good command in scientific writing, good communication skills in English and skills in programming (Python) are desired. The successful candidate should demonstrate exceptional motivation and the ability to drive a demanding research project forward. All application documents should be combined into a single PDF file and sent to Prof. Alexander Wittemann via email to colloidkn@uni.kn. Reference number: 26/gdch. Deadline: November 1, 2026.

The DVGW Research Center at TUHH is seeking to fill a full-time position (TV-L E 13) for a three-year fixed-term contract as a Research Associate (m/f/d) starting in January 2027. The externally funded project "ELEGANT 2.0" is developing a bioelectrochemical process for nitrate reduction from groundwater. Responsibilities include the setup and operation of a laboratory reactor, experimental design and process optimization, collaboration with project partners, upscaling and evaluation for drinking water treatment, and the supervision of student projects. We are looking for candidates with an excellent university degree in a relevant field, an interest in pursuing a doctorate/further qualification, and experience in laboratory work, biological systems, and analytics. Self-management, meticulousness, and good German and English skills are expected. We offer a diverse scientific work environment and the opportunity to pursue a doctorate. Applications should be submitted by October 15, 2026, to: Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mathias Ernst, DVGW Research Center TUHH, 21071 Hamburg, team-assistenz-B11@tuhh.de.

Job vacancy list dated September 14, 2026

TU Darmstadt is offering a PhD position (Kekulé Fellowship, funded by the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie) in the theoretical chemistry research group of Dr. Elena Kolodzeiski on the theoretical modeling of complex heterogeneous interfaces. T he project aims to investigate the structural diversity of transition-metal oxides at gas-solid interfaces by coupling quantum-chemical methods with machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs). Requirements: strong academic record (diploma/master's) in chemistry, materials science, physics or a related field; very good English skills; Prior experience with quantum chemical/molecular mechanical software and programming is an advantage. Full job advertisement: here. Applications (CV, motivation letter, transcripts) to: elena.kolodzeiski@tu-darmstadt.de.

Postdoctoral Position (TV-L E13) starting November 2026 or later in the field of MOF-based delivery at OVGU Magdeburg. The Chair of Inorganic Chemistry at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on the development of MOF-based materials for the delivery of enzyme inhibitors. The project combines MOF and coordination chemistry with biomedical applications and will be conducted in close collaboration with biological researchers. The work will include the synthesis and characterization of MOF-based delivery systems, inhibitor loading and release, and evaluation of enzyme activity and cytotoxicity. We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field. Experience in MOF chemistry, drug delivery, or related areas is advantageous. Please send your application, including CV and publication list, to Prof. Dr. Hana Bunzen, hana.bunzen@ovgu.de.

Two Postdoctoral Positions starting November 2026 or later at the Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharma Center Bonn. Position 1: Research project focused on the molecular pharmacology and structural biology of receptors and enzymes. Techniques include, among others, cloning, expression and purification of membrane proteins, determination of cryo-EM structures, in vitro characterization of biologically active compounds, analysis of structure-activity relationships. Position 2: Support in coordinating an interdisciplinary team of researchers, organization of research meetings, drafting of scientific publications, etc. We are looking for a scientist who has a talent for and enjoys scientific writing and interaction with people. You will join an international, interactive, interdisciplinary team of researchers with diverse backgrounds and expertise. We will provide a fruitful research environment, excellent facilities and a competitive salary (TV-L E13). An at least very good Ph.D. degree in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Organic Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline is required. We expect motivation beyond the call of duty and the ability to work in a team. Please send your application (including CV, publication list and contact information of two references) to: Prof. Dr. Christa E. Müller, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn. email: christa.mueller@uni-bonn.de.

Job vacancy list dated September 7, 2026

PhD position in supramolecular materials chemistry: Chiral, light-emitting, and stimuli-responsive metallofibers; University of Bayreuth; starting January 2027: At the Institute of macromolecular chemistry in Bayreuth, we are developing metal complexes that cooperatively assemble into nanofibers, hydrogels, and dynamic materials via metal-ligand and π-π interactions. The advertised project extends our metal building blocks to include chiral organic chromophores. The goal is to create helical fibers of defined helicity in which chirality transfer from the ligand to the aggregate leads to circularly polarized luminescence. The supramolecular material will then be reversibly switched by light, temperature, or guest molecules to externally control emission, chirality, and morphology. The work encompasses multi-step ligand and complex synthesis, mechanistic analysis using UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as electron microscopy, and integration into optoelectronic devices such as OLEDs in collaboration with experimental physics. We are seeking applicants with an M.Sc. degree in Chemistry and experience in organic synthesis or supramolecular chemistry for our young, ERC-funded group. Please send your CV, certificates, and letter of motivation as a single PDF file to Jun.-Prof. Dr. Plajer ( alex.plajer@uni-bayreuth.de ). More information here.

Job vacancy list dated August 31, 2026

PhD position in inorganic chemistry & heterogeneous catalysis in the Chemistry Department at the University of Basel, Switzerland. The research group headed by Prof. Murielle Delley is looking for a highly motivated candidate for a PhD position starting in approx. January 2027. This PhD position focuses on the use of molecular strategies to modify inorganic material surfaces for the preparation of improved heterogeneous catalysts. The candidate should be highly motivated, recently have obtained an MSc degree in chemistry or a related discipline, and bring a solid chemical background. Experience in experimental inorganic/organometallic chemistry, organic synthesis, working under inert atmosphere, and catalysis are preferred. Send your application: cover letter, CV, copy of MSc diploma, contact details of 3 referees, to Prof. Murielle Delley, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Switzerland, murielle.delley@unibas.ch. Please find more info here.

Job vacancy list dated August 24, 2026

PhD Position in Coordination Chemistry and MOFs at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. We are seeking a motivated highly PhD candidate to join our research group at the Chair of Inorganic Chemistry, led by Prof. Hana Bunzen, focusing on coordination and materials chemistry. The position is E13 TV-L (67.5%) for three years and available to start as soon as possible. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Chemistry or a related field, and prior experience with coordination or porous materials is an advantage. Fluency in both German and English is required. To apply, please submit a motivation letter, CV, and academic certificates via the university's electronic application portal by 15th September 2026. More details can be found here.

Research Associate (m/f/d) (Instrumental Analytics or Food Analysis) at JLU Gießen, Food Sciences, Prof. Dr. G. Morlock, 50% E 13 TV-H (fixed-term contract). Responsibilities: Independent scientific and university teaching qualification, scientific services in research and teaching in accordance with § 72 HessHG. Teaching duties in accordance with the teaching load regulations of the State of Hesse (participation in the modules Food Chemistry Practical Course and Nutritional Science Practical Course). Development and/or use of sustainable methods and analytical systems (2LabsToGo-eco, high-performance thin-layer chromatography coupled with high-performance column chromatography, bioassays and high-resolution mass spectrometry) for the analysis of active substances, contaminants, or residues in food, consumer goods, cosmetics, environmental samples, etc. Supervision of theses. Job Requirements: Completed university degree, preferably in natural sciences or engineering (Diploma, State Examination, or MSc). Practical experience in chemical-analytical methods (HPLC, HPTLC, HRMS) as well as physiological and biochemical knowledge (assays), ideally with programming experience (Python, C++) for instrument control, cloud-based image analysis with artificial intelligence, robotics, open-source technologies, etc. Good English skills. Experience in publishing scientific research results. Apply by September 15, 2026, using our online application form. The full job posting can be found here.

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