PhD in Photonic Metal-Organic Framework Crystal-Glasses at Friedrich Schiller University Jena – Germany

Summary

The Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research at Friedrich Schiller University Jena offers a 36‑month, part‑time PhD position starting 1 January 2027. The role is part of a DFG‑funded project developing porous, tunable 3D photonic crystal‑glasses from metal‑organic frameworks. The candidate will conduct wet‑chemical synthesis, crystallisation, melt processing, nanoparticle synthesis, and optical characterisation, as well as report progress, publish, and supervise practical courses. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a relevant discipline, have laboratory experience, and possess strong English skills; German is advantageous. Remuneration follows TV‑L E13 with an additional annual payment. The position includes flexible hours, family‑friendly policies, health and sports services, pension scheme, and 30 days of leave plus two extra holidays.

Key Facts

Department	Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Photonics
Research Area	Photonic metal‑organic framework crystal‑glasses
Degree Required	Master’s degree
Experience	Experience handling chemicals and working in a wet‑chemical laboratory
Salary	Remuneration is based on TV-L pay grade E13, depending on personal qualifications, plus a special annual payment under the collective agreement.
Funding	DFG-funded
Contract Duration	36 months
Language	English (required), German (desirable)
Deadline	2026-10-16
Required Documents	Cover letter (max 2 pages), Tabular CV, Publication list (if available), Certificates and diplomas, At least two recommendation letters from mentors

About the Project

The project, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), aims to create porous and tunable three‑dimensional photonic crystal‑glasses derived from metal‑organic frameworks. By crystallising, melting, and nanoparticle‑mediated synthesis of MOFs, the research will generate novel photonic materials with potential applications in sustainable engineering and technology. The doctoral candidate will contribute to material synthesis, characterisation, and dissemination of results through publications and conferences.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct literature research and work in wet‑chemical and physicochemical laboratories
• Crystallise and melt metal‑organic frameworks
• Synthesize nanoparticles and use them to create photonic materials
• Characterise the materials produced
• Report regularly on project progress
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present them at conferences
• Contribute to the supervision of practical courses, internships, and student theses
• Complete a doctoral thesis as an individual scientific qualification project

Required Skills

• Experience handling chemicals and working in a wet‑chemical laboratory
• Initial experience with optical characterisation techniques (UV/Vis, IR spectroscopy or microscopy)
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work collaboratively in an international team
• German language skills are desirable
• Knowledge of MOFs, nanoparticles, thin films, glasses, or academic publishing is an advantage

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Photonics or a related field, who have experience handling chemicals in a wet‑chemical laboratory and basic knowledge of optical characterisation techniques, are encouraged to apply. Strong written and spoken English is required; German language skills are a plus. Candidates should be able to work collaboratively in an international team and have an interest in photonic materials and metal‑organic frameworks.

Benefits

• Individual doctoral supervision
• Integration into research and publication activities
• Flexible working hours
• Family‑friendly working environment
• University health and sports services
• Capital‑forming benefits
• Company pension scheme
• 30 days of annual leave
• Two additional days off on December 24 and 31

About the Employer

The Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research at Friedrich Schiller University Jena hosts a DFG‑funded doctoral project on photonic metal‑organic framework crystal‑glasses, offering individual supervision, research integration, flexible hours, and a family‑friendly environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the position start?

The appointment starts on January 1, 2027.

What is the contract length and workload?

It is a fixed‑term, part‑time appointment for 36 months at 67 % of full‑time (26.8 hours per week).

Which documents must be submitted?

A cover letter (max 2 pages), a tabular CV, a publication list if available, certificates and diplomas, and at least two recommendation letters from mentors.

Is German language required?

German language skills are desirable but not required.

What are the working hours per week?

The position requires 26.8 hours per week, corresponding to 67 % of a full‑time schedule.