Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The Integrated Research Training Group of PolyTarget seeks to fill the position of a

Doctoral Researcher in Organic Chemistry (PhD Position)
In cooperation with the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology
Hans Knöll Institute.

commencing on November 1st 2022

The Collaborative Research Center 1278 "PolyTarget - Polymer-based nanoparticle libraries for targeted anti-inflammatory strategies" is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The goal of PolyTarget is to develop polymer-based, nanoparticulate carrier materials for pharmaceutically active ingredients for targeted therapy of diseases and syndromes, whose morbidity is characterized by an inflammatory reaction. The integrated Research Training Group of PolyTarget is educating doctoral researchers in a structured, interdisciplinary training program. Close cooperation within the multi- and interdisciplinary consortium with researchers from Chemistry, Materials Science, Biology, Pharmacy and Medicine offers unique prerequisites for transferring the findings from basic research into applications (www.polytarget.uni-jena.de).

Your responsibilities:

• Work on interdisciplinary research projects within the field of PolyTarget
• Synthesis and characterization of new functional macromolecular prodrugs through modern polymerization techniques and postfunctionalization methods
• Intense collaboration with project partners from Biology, Medicine and Pharmacy
• Work on an own scientific qualification project, i.e. doctorate degree
• PhD project planning, project coordination, experimental work, reporting, and communication
• Generate scientific output in terms of publications, posters, presentations, and PhD thesis, including participation at international conferences
• Guidance of Bachelor/Master students and/or interns

Your profile:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or Polymer Sciences; candidates expected to earn their degree before September 2022 are welcome to apply
• A solid background in synthetic organic and macromolecular chemistry
• Experience in structural analysis of polymers using a wide range of techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Size Exclusion Chromatography, Dynamic Light Scattering, etc. is of advantage
• Enthusiasm to play an active role in the interdisciplinary research team of PolyTarget
• Highly motivated and creative personality, with an interest to shape their own thesis project
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

We offer:

• A doctoral researcher position as well as generous research funding
• Opportunity for research in an innovative and worldwide unique research platform
• A comprehensive mentoring program with supervision by a team of advisors
• A communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top‐level research facilities and training program, 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.

The advertised position is (initially) limited to a maximum of 3 years.

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.

Are you eager to work for us? Then submit your detailed written application, preferably by email (one PDF file), stating the vacancy ID 266/2022 by August 31, 2022 to: