PhD Student Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering (m/f/d)

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile lines Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM) and the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC) seeks to fill at the earliest possible date the position of a

in the field of macromolecular chemistry / polymer science in collaboration with partners in (nano)medicine, analytics and computer science.

We are looking for a polymer chemist (PhD candidate) with interest in polymer synthesis focussing on the optimization of the polymer for delivery applications to join our research team for the Nano@Liver project, funded by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung. At the Schubert Group, we are working in the field of polymer science relevant for nanomedicine application, with a particular focus on understanding how the chemical structure of polymers influences their properties and potential medical applications. The Nano@Liver project, a collaboration between Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, aims to push forward the treatment of liver diseases to the next level. The project brings together experts in / material science, biological applications, medicine and data scientist and focusses focusing on the development of innovative polymers. In close collaboration with this team, you will work on the synthesis of novel polymers based on (meth)acrylates as well as on biobased monomers such as itaconic acid. For this purpose, you will perform the synthesis of functional monomers and their subsequent polymerization using various techniques. This position offers a unique opportunity to work alongside experts across multiple disciplines, gaining valuable experience in polymer science and nanomedicine research and exposure to the latest developments in the field.

• Design and synthesis of tailored polymers optimized for stability, efficiency, and biocompatibility in gene transfer applications.
• Performing physicochemical analyses of synthesized polymers regarding the chemical structure or the molar mass.
• Lead and coordinate your PhD project, including experimental design, data analysis, and documentation.
• Generate research output through scientific publications, conference contributions, and presentations, culminating in a doctoral thesis. You will have opportunities to attend and to present at international conferences and engage with the scientific community.
• Work collaboratively, contributing to and benefiting from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team, from material synthesis to in vivo analysis and AI implementation.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, chemical engineering, biochemistry, pharmacy or a related field.
• Experience in polymer / organic synthesis and characterization; familiarity with analytical methods and statistical data analysis is advantageous.
• A high level of motivation and creativity, with the drive to shape your own research project within an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Willingness to engage in scientific exchange and interdisciplinary research, with a proactive approach to collaboration from nanoformulation to in vivo studies

• Access to a globally unique, state-of-the-art research environment with cutting-edge technologies for polymer synthesis and characterization.
• A dynamic research network with top-level facilities, training programs, and opportunities to participate in conferences, summer schools, and workshops, fostering both academic and professional growth.
• Extensive continuing education programs and personal development opportunities, a comprehensive mentoring program with supervision by a team of advisors, including participation in international and national conferences, summer schools and workshops
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 – depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications-, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

The advertised position is initially limited to three years, extensions up to 3.5 years are envisaged. This is a part-time position with 65% (26 hours per week) of the working hours of a full-time employee.
Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.
Have we piqued your interest? Then apply by 15st August 2025 using our online form.

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