PhD Candidate in Chemistry Didactics and Science Communication at Technical University of Darmstadt – Germany

Summary

The Technical University of Darmstadt invites applications for a part‑time Research Associate/PhD Candidate in Chemistry Didactics and Science Communication within the Department of Chemistry. The role involves conducting didactic and empirical research on education for sustainable development and science communication, participating in outreach, teaching two semester hours per week in German, and presenting findings at conferences and publications. The position is a fixed‑term, 50 % workload contract for three years, remunerated at Pay grade 13 under the TV‑TU Darmstadt collective agreement. Applicants must hold an above‑average university degree (e.g., First State Examination in Teaching or a Master’s), be proficient in English and German, and demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Chemistry
Position Type	Research Associate / PhD Candidate
Discipline	Chemistry
Research Area	Chemistry Didactics and Science Communication
Degree Required	First State Examination in Teaching or Master’s degree
Salary	Pay grade 13 under the TV-TU Darmstadt collective agreement
Funding	Salary (Pay grade 13 under the TV-TU Darmstadt collective agreement)
Contract Duration	Fixed-term for three years
Language	German and English
Deadline	2026-10-08
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Markus Prechtl, Chemistry Didactics, [email protected]

About the Project

The project focuses on didactic and empirical research related to education for sustainable development and science communication in chemistry. It includes quantitative, qualitative, or mixed‑method studies, outreach activities in schools and informal learning settings, and the design‑based implementation of sustainable chemical innovations. Findings will be presented at national and international conferences and disseminated through scientific publications.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct subject‑specific didactic and empirical research on ESD and science communication using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods
• Participate in outreach activities at schools and extracurricular learning locations
• Present research at national and international conferences and contribute to scientific publications
• Teach two semester hours per week in German in chemistry teacher‑training programmes for grammar and vocational schools
• Engage in regular peer exchange within the Chemistry Didactics team and the Merck‑TUDa Junior Laboratory for Chemistry
• Present research findings regularly and collaborate with the team

Required Skills

• Ability to read and write research papers in English
• Ability to present scientific results in both English and German
• Proactive approach to collaborative learning and teaching
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Respectful and collegial attitude
• Willingness to contribute to research presentations and publications

Who Should Apply

Candidates with an above‑average university degree such as a First State Examination in Teaching or a Master’s degree, who are fluent in English and German, possess strong communication and teamwork abilities, and are motivated to conduct research and teach in chemistry didactics.

Benefits

• Professional development and training
• Flexible working hours and mobile working
• 30 days annual leave for full‑time employees
• Educational leave
• Hesse State Ticket for regional transport
• Health and sports programs
• Supplementary public‑service pension
• Bike leasing
• Family‑support services
• Encouragement for women to apply
• Preference for applicants with a disability rating of at least 50%

About the Employer

Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) is seeking a part‑time Research Associate/PhD Candidate for its Chemistry Didactics team. The university highlights supportive collaboration, open dialogue, mutual feedback, and diversity of backgrounds and career paths as core values of the team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the workload and contract type?

The position is part‑time (50 % workload) with a fixed‑term contract for three years.

What language skills are required?

Applicants must be able to read and write research papers in English and present results in both English and German.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is 8 October 2026.

What documents must be submitted?

The advertisement does not specify required documents.

What benefits are offered?

Benefits include professional development, flexible hours, mobile working, 30 days annual leave, educational leave, transport ticket, health programs, pension, bike leasing, and family‑support services.