Open positions

Within the framework of the interdisciplinary research training group 3040, “Copolymer Informatics: Blending digital technologies and copolymer chemistry – From design to application”, which is funded by the German Science Foundation (DFG), 8 Doctoral research positions (67% or 100%, TV-L E13) as research associates (m/f/d) are being offered at either the Friedrich Schiller University Jena or the University of Bayreuth starting on October 1, 2025.

In COIN, computer science as well as robotic methods are to be developed and further optimized so that they can be applied in polymer research and particularly for copolymers. Their application will enable a targeted combination of synthesis, processing and properties of copolymers. In order to achieve this goal, expertise from the fields of synthesis, analytics, polymer chemistry, theoretical chemistry, engineering, computer science and robotics are combined.
The qualification program of COIN focuses on targeted training for doctoral candidates at the interface of the scientific disciplines of chemistry, engineering and computer science. A special focus will be on the high degree of interdisciplinarity at a top level in an international context. One of the major goals is to reduce the boundaries between scientific disciplines by training new professionals who can interact with other areas beyond their discipline and understand their concerns and termini.

Within the interdisciplinary research training group, we offer PhD positions for the following topics:

1. Development of a robot (using a robotic arm) working together with a chemist in a laboratory (University of Bayreuth, project A1, position: 100%)
2. Practical implementation of a robot / robotic arm into the daily routine in a chemical laboratory (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, project A1, position: 67%)
3. High-throughput experimentation using automated robotic platform for copolymer synthesis (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, project A2, position: 67%)
4. Theoretical investigation of copolymerizations (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, project A2, position: 67%)
5. Synthesis and characterization of copolymer libraries (University of Bayreuth, project B1, position: 67%)
6. Development of machine-learning and data-driven design of experiment approach for copolymers (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, project B1, position: 67%)
7. Processing of copolymers by extrusion and foaming as well optimization and dataset generation (University of Bayreuth, project C1, position: 100%)
8. Design of a semantic model of a copolymer domain including ontologies and large language models (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, project C1, position: 100%)

Your responsibilities / tasks:

• Work on your doctoral thesis focusing on one the above-mentioned interdisciplinary topics
• On site and active participation in the research and qualification program of COIN

Your profile:

• Master's degree in chemistry, informatics, computer, engineering or materials science
• Fluency in English, both in oral and written communication
• Dynamic and open-minded personality who enjoys conducting cutting-edge research in an interdisciplinary and international team
• Ability to work independently and organized
• Commitment, high flexibility, team spirit

We offer:

• Excellent research environment within national and international networks at the two leading universities in polymer science
• Comprehensive research and qualification program across different disciplines
• Networking with exciting national and international scientists and the opportunity to carry out research stays in international laboratories
• 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, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year, days off on December 24 and 31

General information for interested persons (m/f/d):

The advertised positions are offered as fixed-term position for a duration of 42 months. The positions either full-time (100%) or part time positions (67%) as listed above. The deadline for the submission of the applications is 2025-06-30.
Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.
Both universities value the diversity of its employees and is explicitly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome.

Along with your application please submit:

• Letter of interest (max. 2 DIN A4-pages) indicating your motivation for joining COIN. You should also indicate, which of the PhD topics you are applying for (max. two topics are possible)
• Curriculum vitae
• Degree certificate / transcript of records
• Up to two letters of recommendation

The documents will be deleted after the position has been filled in accordance with data protection requirements.

The application will only be possible via the universities. You can find the official advertisement here:

• Friedrich Schiller University Jena: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/122166/job-marketExternal link
• University of Bayreuth: https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/en/job-vacanciesExternal link

About the universities:

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 lines 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 University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with international and interdisciplinary profiles in research and teaching. The University of Bayreuth has about 12,000 students and more than 2,500 employees making it one of the largest employers in the region and to one of the leading research institutions in northern Bavaria.