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 17.000 students and more than 10.000 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The Faculty of Physics and Astronomy / Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research seeks to fill the position of a

PhD in Computational Materials Science

in the research group of Prof. Dr. Marek Sierka, commencing on April 1st, 2025.

We offer a part-time position (65%, 26 hours per week), offered as a fixed-term position for three years.

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to contribute to an interdisciplinary research project aimed at advancing materials research through digitalization. The project focuses on developing computational frameworks, integrating simulation workflows, and automating the characterization and analysis of advanced materials.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain computational tools and ontologies for advanced material characterization
• Design and implement high-throughput screening workflows for optimized material development
• Collaborate with international experts in academia and industry
• Publish research results in scientific journals and present at conferences

Your profile:

• Master’s degree in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field
• Experience in computational modeling, data analysis, or materials characterization is advantageous
• Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to work in interdisciplinary environments
• Programming knowledge (e.g., Python, Fortran) is beneficial

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:

• Engagement in a cutting-edge research project with national and international collaborations
• Access to advanced research facilities and state-of-the-art computational tools
• Participation in diverse experimental and theoretical research projects with a strong interdisciplinary nature
• Involvement in national and international networks of universities, research institutes and industrial companies
• Excellent equipment and infrastructure
• An interesting position at an international level / Participation in international conferences
• The chance to help shape pioneering developments at a modern and at the same time traditional university covering all disciplines / A secure job in the ‘City of Light’ Jena with attractive leisure and recreational offers / A secure job at a modern and at the same time traditional university covering all disciplines
• Flexible working hours (flexitime and, if applicable, teleworking)
• A comprehensive further and continuing education programme and individual qualification and development measures
• A Graduate Academy for doctoral candidates and postdocs;
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JUniKinder);
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities;
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL) and an occupational pension (VBL)
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at / up to 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

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 15.02.2025 using our online form.