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 Institute of Physical Chemistry seeks to fill the position of a

Scientific employee
in the research topic
Machine learning-based Prediction of Odor Perception from Molecules

commencing on 01.03.2023 or at the earliest opportunity

We offer a limited part-time doctoral position (67%, 26,8 hours/week), (initially) limited for 3 years with the possibility of an extension if appropriate.

The position is offered within the project Olfactorial Perceptronics (https://perceptronics.de) funded by the Volkswagen foundation. The associated research group works towards perceptive electronics (short: perceptronics) for olfaction as an interdisciplinary team with expertise in natural sciences, engineering and life and health science. The position is embedded in the Chair of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry (Prof. Dr. Stefanie Gräfe).

Your responsibilities:

• Establishing links between (complex) molecular fingerprints and (artificial and human) odor perception using machine learning techniques in close collaboration with the interdisciplinary partners in the project; Investigation of transduction principles in molecular communication
• Presenting your scientific results at conferences and in scientific journals
• Work on your own scientific qualification project, e.g. doctorate

Your profile:

• University degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related subject
• Experience with computational methods and tools (DFT / DFTB / MD), knowledge of machine learning approaches, and/or programming skills (e.g., python or julia) is a plus
• We expect open communication and the interest and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Solid language skills in German and English would be desirable

We offer:

• Participation in an experimental and theoretical research project with a strong multi-disciplinary nature within an expanding national and international network of research institutes and industrial companies
• Participation in international conferences and further education programs
• The possibility to do a PhD with support of the Graduate Academy
• 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

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 441/2022 to: