12 PhD student positions (m/f/d) - "Photoluminescence in Supramolecular Matrices"

About Us

The International Research Training Group IRTG 2991 funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) invites applications for 12 PhD positions, starting between November 2024 and January 2025. 

The IRTG 2991 on "Photoluminescence in Supramolecular Matrices" conducts research in close collaboration between researchers at the Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg (JMU) and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER TVM) on innovative supramolecular functional materials with photoluminescent properties.

About the Program

In the IRTG 2991, you will be part of an international and diverse team working on cutting edge research projects on fluorescent, phosphorescent and higher complexity luminescent materials by making use of smart supramolecular matrices. This research program includes synthetic organic and biomolecular chemistry, physical and theoretical chemistry for structure and function elucidation, and applications in bioimaging and OLED devices. The program offers a collaborative guidance of your research project accompanied with training on additional scientific skills. A research stay of six months at the Indian partner university IISER TVM is a mandatory part of the doctoral qualification program.

As part of this call, the following principal investigators at the University of Würzburg will be recruiting doctoral researchers:

•      Prof Tobias Brixner (Physical Chemistry – optical spectroscopy)

•      Prof Ingo Fischer (Physical Chemistry – gas phase spectroscopy)

•      Prof Claudia Höbartner (Bioorganic Chemistry – functional nucleic acids)

•      Prof Christoph Lambert (Physical Organic Chemistry – dyes & redox systems)

•      Prof Matthias Lehmann (Organic Chemistry – liquid crystals)

•      Prof Roland Mitric (Theoretical Chemistry – quantum dynamics)

•      Prof Agnieszka Nowak-Król (Inorganic Chemistry – heteroatom helicenes)

•      Prof Ann-Christin Pöppler (Organic Chemistry – NMR spectroscopy)

•      PD Dr Prince Ravat (Organic Chemistry – chiral aromatic hydrocarbons)

•      Dr Merle Röhr (Theoretical Chemistry – excited states of dye aggregates)

•      Prof Markus Sauer (Biophysics – fluorescence imaging)

•      Prof Frank Würthner (Organic Chemistry – supramolecular materials)

Successful candidates for the positions will have the unique opportunity to undertake cutting-edge research under the guidance of these scientists together with colleagues from IISER TVM. Structured mentoring and training including summer schools, international internships, hard and soft skill workshops and opportunities to present their work at international conferences will prepare them for careers as scientists in academia or industry.

We invite applications from outstanding candidates of all nationalities interested to becoming part of IRTG 2991. Applicants for the PhD student positions are expected to hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry or a related discipline. 

Qualification Requirements

• For the PhD student positions a Master of Science degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or a related discipline from an engineering, mathematics or natural sciences program, which qualifies to enter doctoral studies in Germany.
• High motivation for interdisciplinary research to investigate photoluminescence phenomena and novel functional materials.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as a part of a team.
• Strong communication skills and fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Commitment to research stays in the partner laboratories at IISER Thiruvananthapuram.

We are excited to receive your application! 

What we Offer

• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories, facilities and equipment.
• A stimulating and collaborative research environment.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training in advanced synthesis, spectroscopy and data analysis.
• International and intercultural training.
• Competitive salary and benefits based on the German public salary scale.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining your research interests, your motivation for joining IRTG 2991, and your two or three preferred research groups from the colleagues listed above.
• A detailed CV, including publications/presentations & extracurricular activities.
• Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Contact information for at least two academic referees.

Please send your application as a single PDF file to irtg2991@uni-wuerzburg.de .

The closing date for applications is September 29, 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in person or via zoom.

For additional information on the program and participating researchers, please visit https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/irtg2991/.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The University of Würzburg is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that values diversity and fosters collaboration.

The JMU aims to reduce the underrepresentation of women and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. 

Severely handicapped applicants will be given preferential consideration in the case of broadly equal suitability, ability and professional achievements.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Frank WürthnerSpokesperson of the IRTG2991irtg2991@uni-wuerzburg.de