Postdoc in Coordination Chemistry in Chemnitz University of Technology – Germany

Summary

Chemnitz University of Technology is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate (m/f/d) in Coordination Chemistry for a full-time, fixed-term position of 36 months. The role is within the research group of Professor Michael Mehring, focusing on synthetic molecular and materials chemistry, including chiral ligand design, metal oxide nanoclusters, and photocatalytically active systems. The successful candidate will conduct synthesis, use spectroscopic techniques for characterization, perform reactivity and catalysis studies, and participate in teaching introductory practical courses. Applicants must hold a doctorate in experimental chemistry with excellent results, possess strong expertise in synthetic molecular chemistry, and have experience in analytical techniques and student supervision. The position offers opportunities for further academic qualification and scientific publications. The application deadline is October 5, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Faculty of Natural Sciences – Chair of Coordination Chemistry – Institute of Chemistry
Position Type	Research Associate
Discipline	Coordination Chemistry
Research Area	Synthetic Molecular and Materials Chemistry, Chiral Ligand Design for Homogeneous Catalysts, Metal Oxide Nanoclusters Light-Matter Interactions, Photocatalytically Active Material Systems, Inorganic Molecular Chemistry, Synthetic Molecular Chemistry, Metal Oxide Clusters, Chiral Compounds Main Group Metals, Spectroscopic Techniques, Optical Characterization
Degree Required	Doctorate in experimental chemistry
Experience	Extensive experimental knowledge and experience in preparative work under protective gas technology and glove boxes, advanced experience in analysis of molecules (IR, NMR, Raman spectroscopy, SCXRD), knowledge and practical experience in inorganic molecular chemistry and optical characterization of molecules/materials, experience in supervising introductory chemistry practical courses, prior experience in guiding and supervising students.
Salary	Pay group 13 TV-L
Contract Duration	Fixed-term contract for 36 months
Language	Good English and fluent German skills
Deadline	2026-10-05
Required Documents	usual documents
Employer Address	Chemnitz University of Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Professorship of Coordination, 09107 Chemnitz, Building Carolastraße 8

About the Project

The research project focuses on the interface between synthetic molecular and materials chemistry. Key areas include the design of chiral ligands for homogeneous catalysts, the study of metal oxide nanoclusters with interesting light-matter interactions, and the development of photocatalytically active material systems. The work involves the synthesis of metal oxide clusters and/or chiral compounds of main group metals, their characterization using various spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques (PL, CD, UV-Vis, IR, NMR, SCXRD, PXRD), and investigations into their reactivity and (photo)catalytic properties.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesis of metal oxide clusters and/or chiral compounds of the main group metals
• Use of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques to investigate properties and structures in solution and in solids
• Analytical characterization of molecules and materials, particularly by PL, CD, UV-Vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy as well as SCXRD and PXRD
• Reactivity and/or (photo)catalysis studies
• Digital acquisition, analysis, evaluation and documentation of measurement data
• Participation in teaching, especially in inorganic introductory practical course Chemistry of aqueous solutions (4 hours per week; practicals and seminars)
• Supervision of student projects
• Use research findings for scientific publications and own professional development

Required Skills

• Doctorate in experimental chemistry completed with excellent results
• Excellent specialist knowledge in the field of synthetic molecular chemistry
• Extensive experimental knowledge and experience in preparative work under protective gas technology and glove boxes
• Advanced experience in analysis of molecules, especially IR, NMR, and Raman spectroscopy as well as SCXRD
• Knowledge and practical experience in the field of inorganic molecular chemistry and optical characterization of molecules/materials (advantageous)
• Good English and fluent German skills
• Experience in supervising introductory chemistry practical courses
• High level of motivation
• Prior experience in guiding and supervising students

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for individuals with a doctorate in experimental chemistry, excellent knowledge in synthetic molecular chemistry, and extensive experience in preparative work, spectroscopic analysis, and student supervision. Candidates interested in working in an interdisciplinary team on topics of high practical relevance, and seeking further academic qualification, are encouraged to apply. The role is also suitable for part-time employment.

Benefits

• Working in a cooperative and helpful team
• Attractive and family-friendly working conditions
• Diverse cafeteria offerings for break-time refreshments
• Optimal transport connections to all university locations via public transport discounts when using public transport job ticket
• Attractive health promotion offers
• Diverse training and further education opportunities
• 30 days annual leave for a 5-day work week
• Occupational pension scheme VBL
• Annual bonus payment
• Capital-forming benefits
• Family-friendly infrastructure in a cosmopolitan environment characterized by internationalization and diversity

About the Employer

Chemnitz University of Technology is an innovative scientific and educational institution that is aware of the challenges of competition among universities. It offers attractive jobs to individuals with proven professional expertise who wish to contribute constructively to innovative development. The university actively promotes diversity and equality for all employees and strives to provide special support for severely disabled individuals or those with equivalent status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the contract?

The contract is fixed-term for 36 months.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 5, 2026.

What are the required language skills?

Good English and fluent German skills are required.

Is part-time employment possible?

Yes, the position is also suitable for part-time employment, and applications for part-time work will be reviewed.

What degree is required for this position?

A doctorate in experimental chemistry completed with excellent results is required.

What are the teaching responsibilities?

The position involves participation in teaching, especially in the inorganic introductory practical course 'Chemistry of aqueous solutions', for 4 hours per week (practicals and seminars).