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.

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

Doctoral Researcher

at the next possible date.

We offer a part-time position (65%, 26 hours per week) of the working hours of a full-time employee, subject to final approval and initially limited to the third funding period of the Collaborative Research Center 1278 “PolyTarget” (June 30, 2029). Extensions of up to four years are planned, if necessary through alternative funding.

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 an own scientific qualification project, i.e., doctorate degree
• Participate in interdisciplinary research projects within the field of “PolyTarget”
• Systematic investigation of new techniques to elucidate salient features (physical and chemical) of newly developed polymers and nanomedicines
• Presentation of scientific results and active contribution in the writing of manuscripts
• PhD project planning, project coordination, experimental work, reporting, and communication
• Generate scientific output in terms of publications, posters, presentations, including participation at international conferences
• Guidance of Bachelor/Master students and/or interns

Your profile:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials or Polymer Sciences
• A solid background in analytical measurement principles
• Experience in structural analysis of polymers 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
• Excellent infrastructure for performing cutting-edge research (incl. high-end analytical ultracentrifugation facilities, dynamic light scattering, small angle X-ray scattering, field-flow fractionation, chromatographic techniques, and many more)
• An interdisciplinary working research team with expertise in all relevant areas of research, to be efficiently utilized for research
• A strong scientific network integrating all relevant faculties of the Friedrich Schiller University and the University Hospital Jena, offering scientific stimulation and expertise beyond the own research objectives
• Comprehensive mentoring program of hard and soft skills under guidance of an advisory board (Integrated Research Training Group) with the ability to develop individual skills and learn new skills in an optimal fashion
• The place of work is Jena, Germany, a young and lively university town with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centers of innovation, and a vibrant cultural scene around a university with a rich tradition
• 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 dependent on funding of the third phase of “PolyTarget”, extensions of up to a maximum of 3,5 years are envisaged, depending on alternative funding.

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 1st December 2025 using our online form.