10 PhD Student Positions

Saarland University is a campus university that is internationally recognized for its strong research programmes. Fostering academic talent and creating ideal conditions for teaching and research are a core part of the university’s mission. As part of the University of the Greater Region, Saarland University enables students and staff to share and exchange knowledge and ideas between disciplines, between universities and across borders. With over 17,000 national and international students, studying more than a hundred different academic disciplines, Saarland University is a diverse and dynamic learning environment. [Saarland University is officially recognized as one of Germany’s family-friendly higher-education institutions and with a combined workforce of more than 4,000 it is one of the largest employers in the region.]

The Research Training Group 3082 “Engineering Covalent Bonds in Molecules and Materials (Ec=m2), funded by the DFG (German Research Foundation), will be located in the Departments of Chemistry, Physics and Materials Science and Engineering. All departments offer high quality study programs and the RTG will provide an excellent complement to other graduate training programs at Saarland University. The Department of Chemistry is inviting applications for the following position commencing 01 October 2025

Doctoral Research Position (M/F/X)

Reference number W2560, salary in accordance with the German TV-L salary scale¹, pay grade: E13 TV- L, duration of employment: 3 years, volume of employment: 67% of standard working time.

Workplace/Department:

The Research Training Group 3082 “Engineering Covalent Bonds in Molecules and Materials (Ec=m²) addresses a core concept of natural sciences and will thus have a lasting impact in both molecular and materials chemistry. The fantastic progress in understanding covalent bonds is based on the ever-increasing availability of novel (functionalized) molecular motifs and the remarkable advances in spectroscopy and theory. Controlling homolytic bond dissociation offers unique and novel opportunities for molecular reactivity and materials’ post-functionalization. For instance, the creation of weakly coupled, even unpaired electrons will lead to novel applications in (opto-)electronics, magnetism, and electrochemistry. Initially, the RTG will feature 10 distinct, but related research projects from a broad spectrum in chemistry, physics and material sciences. In more detail, Ec=m² encompasses projects in organic and inorganic synthesis, theoretical chemistry and physics as well as in polymers and materials. The doctoral positions offer the unique opportunity of working in a highly interdisciplinary research environment. We provide comprehensive, high-1 TV-L = collective agreement on remuneration of public sector employees in the German Länder The pay grade assigned to an employee depends on their professional qualifications and the number of years of service. Each pay grade is further subdivided into levels. Entry-level employees with no previous experience will initially be assigned a level 1 rating. After one year at level 1 of the E10 pay grade, an employee will move up to level 2. After a further two years, the employee will move to level 3, etc. quality qualification and supervision for the PhD students in the RTG including scientific and methodological training for academic but also non-academic careers including possibilities for international research stays. There will be joint activities for the PhD students and events for all RTG members to foster collaboration and communication. In addition to the RTG environment, each PhD student will be integrated into the group of their primary supervisor. The RTG will fund up to 10 PhD students at a time starting in October 2025, each with individual research projects that are embedded in the broader context of the RTG. Please indicate a maximum of three supervisors in order of preference in your application material. Consult www.uni-saarland.de/ecm2 for information on participating principal investigators.

Job requirements and responsibilities:

Your job will be to carry out cutting-edge research with international impact in the research fields of the RTG. You will develop your doctoral project in cooperation with your supervisors within the research program of the RTG.

Your academic qualifications:

• Completed scientific university studies in a relevant subject of Natural Sciences and/or Engineering
• Language skills (according to GER): English C.

Desirable skills of the successful candidate include:

• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research in at least one research focus of the RTG (see www.uni-saarland.de/ecm2)
• Very good methodological skills
• Reliable, independent and committed work ethos
• Interest in developing and implementing research ideas in a team
• Commitment to excellence in research and the implementation of open and transparent research criteria

What we can offer you:

• A flexible work schedule allowing you to balance work and family, among other things the possibility of teleworking
• Secure and future-oriented employment with attractive conditions
• A broad range of further education and professional development programmes (for example language courses)
• An occupational health management model with numerous attractive options, such as our university sports programme
• Supplementary pension scheme (RZVK)
• Discounted tickets on local public transport services (‘Job-Ticket‘ of the saarVV)

We look forward to receiving your meaningful online application (in a single PDF file) by 31.05.2025 to grk-ecm2-bewerbungen@uni-saarland.de. Please include the reference number W2560 in the subject line of the e-mail.

If you have any questions, please contact us for assistance. Your contact:

Herr Prof. Dr. David Scheschkewitz

grk-ecm2@uni-saarland.de

Tel.: +49(0)681-302 71640

Pay grade classification is based on the particular details of the position held and the extent to which the applicant meets the requirements of the pay grade within the TV-L salary scale. Part-time employment is generally possible.

If you have obtained a foreign university degree, a proof of the equivalence of this degree with a German degree by the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB) is needed before hiring. If necessary, please apply for this in time. You can find more information at https://www.kmk.org/zeugnisbewertung.

Unfortunately, neither costs for attending an interview at Saarland University nor costs for any certificate evaluation by the ZAB can be reimbursed in principle.

We welcome applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation and identity. In accordance with its policy of increasing the proportion of women, the University actively encourages applications from women. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability.

When you submit a job application to Saarland University you will be transmitting personal data. Please refer to our privacy notice for information on how we collect and process personal data in accordance with Art. 13 of the Datenschutz-Grundverordnung. By submitting your application you confirm that you have taken note of the information in the Saarland University privacy notice.