12 Doctoral Research Positions

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 areas 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.

Within the framework of the interdisciplinary Research Training Group 3014 “Photo-polarizable Interfaces and Membranes” funded by the German Science Foundation (DFG), we seek to fill positions of

12 Doctoral Research Positions

commencing on 01.02.2027 We offer a part-time position (65%, 26 hours per week) limited to 42 month.

The Research Training Group Photo-Polarizable Interfaces and Membranes (PhInt) investigates and implements concepts to use light to drive transient structural changes at interfaces and membranes. In doing so, PhInt researches the relationship between the structure of membranes and interfaces, their light-driven reactivity and how local molecular light-driven chemical events are translated into macroscopic property changes.

Within the interdisciplinary Research Training Group, we offer PhD positions in the following topics:

• Lipid membranes with light-controlled ion channels: tuning ion transport and electrical rectification for synthetic biology applications;
• Photoswitchable molecules in biomembranes: Advanced fluorescence microscopy for light-driven switching of cellular) lipid membrane organization;
• Molecularly thin organic membranes: Light-controlled transversal polarization for charge separation;
• 2D molecular photoactive nanomembranes with tunable gas permeation properties: Materials synthesis and characterization;
• Metal-organic framework: Investigating cooperative effects of the soft porosity and light-induced switching on the mass transport;
• Poled inorganic glass surfaces: Structure-property correlations and their sensitivity to optical stimulation;
• Revealing the transient charge-density distribution in photo-polarizable membranes by time-resolved second harmonic generation;
• Spectroscopic studies of transient light-induced polarization at Prussian Blue-Metal Oxide Interfaces;
• Multi-scale multi-layer methods to model light-controlled transport through membranes;
• Theoretical description of light-matter interactions in light-controlled structures;
• Quantum chemical approaches for modeling and simulation of light-driven processes at inorganic surfaces;
• Photo-polarizable interfaces in STEM education: Didactic reconstruction of light-induced switching events on a molecular level.

As part of our international team, you will work on one of the aforementioned topics and - at the same time - be part of an active collaborative consortium, in which you share your scientific results and ideas to stimulate interdisciplinary discussions and take part in a broad qualification programme. As a member of the second cohort of PhD students in our consortium, you will also collaborate with and benefit from the experiences of the members of the first cohort. You will be given the opportunity for international research visits during your tenure at Friedrich Schiller University and you will have the opportunity to develop your unique scientific perspective.

Your responsibilities:

• Work on your doctoral thesis focusing on one of the research topics mentioned above.
• On-site and active participation in the research and qualification programme of the Research Training Group.

Your profile

• You hold a M.Sc. degree or State Examination in Chemistry, Medicine, Physics or a related discipline.
• You are able to communicate in English, both in writing and speaking.
• You are looking forward to working in an interdisciplinary, active and international team.
• You are open towards gaining international experience by undertaking a research stay in an international laboratory.

We offer:

• an excellent research environment within national and international networks
• excellently equipped labs
• a comprehensive research and qualification programme with a focus on science communication
• qualification, consultation, and additional support services from the Jena Graduate Academy
• a family friendly work environment
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale 13 - depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications-, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.

The appointment is limited to 42 months. The position is a part-time appointment rated at 65%, i.e. 26 hours per week.
Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 30.09.2026 using our online form.

Along with your application please submit:

• Letter of interest (ca. 1-2 Din A4-page[s]) expressing your motivation for the Research Training Group. Please indicate in your application letter, which of the aforementioned topics you are applying for (mentioning up to three topics is possible).
• Your Curriculum Vitae
• Degree certificate/Transcript of records
• Two letters of recommendation from university instructors/professors

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