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.

Within the framework of the interdisciplinary Research Training Group 3014 “Photo-polarizable Interfaces and Membranes” funded by the German Science Foundation (DFG), the following positions are being offered at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena starting on November 1, 2024:

12 Doctoral Research Positions (65%, TV-L E13)
as Research Associates (Wissenschaftliche:r Mitarbeiter:in)

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;
• 2D molecular photoactive nanomembranes with tunable gas permeation properties: Materials synthesis and characterization;
• Molecularly thin organic membranes: Light-controlled transversal polarization for charge separation;
• Poled inorganic glass surfaces: Structure-property correlations and their sensitivity to optical stimulation;
• Metal-organic framework: Investigating cooperative effects of the soft porosity and light-induced switching on the mass transport;
• Mechanistic insights into light-controlled molecular switching in membranes and at surfaces by time-resolved optical spectroscopy;
• Revealing the transient charge-density distribution in photo-polarizable membranes by time-resolved second harmonic generation;
• Quantum chemical approaches for modeling and simulation of light-driven processes at inorganic surfaces;
• Theoretical description of light-matter interactions in light-controlled structures;
• Multi-scale multi-layer methods to model light-controlled transport through membranes;
• 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. 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.

Are you hesitating because you don't meet one or some of our requirements? Please do not hesitate to apply and give us a chance to get to know you.

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.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

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.
Along with your application please submit:

• Letter of interest (ca. 1–2 Din A4-page[s]) expressing your motivation for the Research Training Group. Note, that you should 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

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 31 July 2024 using our online form.