Job advertisement
Vacancy ID: 266/2026
Closing date: 2026-10-16
The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.
The Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research seeks to fill the position of a
Doctoral Research position for Photonic Metal-Organic Framework Crystal-Glasses
commencing on 01.01.2027
We offer a part-time position (67%, 26.8 hours per week), offered as a fixed-term position for a period of 36 month.
Dr. Alexander Knebel's research group focuses on metal-organic frameworks for sustainable engineering and technology, including membrane separation and gas sensing. The interdisciplinary group works on material synthesis, physical phenomena at interfaces, and their translation into practical applications. As part of the DFG-funded project "Porous and Tuneable 3D Photonic Crystal-Glasses from Metal-Organic Frameworks," you will develop photonic MOF glass structures and make a significant contribution to the scientific success of the project.
Your responsibilities:
- You independently do literature research and enjoy working in the wet-chemical and physicochemical laboratory
- You crystallize and melt metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)
- You synthesize nanoparticles and use them to create photonic materials
- You independent characterization of the produced materials
- You report regularly on your project progress
- You publish the results of your work in high-ranking peer-reviewed journals
- You are highly cooperative, a strong team player, and enjoy working in an diverse team
- You help with supervision of practicals, internships and student thesis projects
- You present your results at international and national conferences
- You work on your own scientific qualification project, namely your doctor thesis (PhD)
Your profile:
- Successfully completed Master's degree (focusing on chemistry, materials science, physics, or photonics)
- Experience in handling chemicals and working in a wet-chemical laboratory is mandatory.
- Ideally, you already bring knowledge in the areas of MOFs, nanoparticles, thin films, glasses, or a specialization in one of these directions.
- You have initial experience with optical characterization techniques (UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy as well as microscopy).
- You enjoy working in an international team and possess excellent spoken and written English skills.
- German language skills are desirable.
- Deally, you already have knowledge of academic publishing.
Are you hesitating because you don't meet one or some of our requirements? Please do not hesitate to apply and give us a chance to get to know you.
We offer:
- Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications— including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
- Individual supervision and support during your doctorate
- Integration into research projects of the group and publication activities
- Flexible working hours (remote work upon consultation when applicable)
- A family-friendly working environment with a wide range of services for families: University Family Office (JUniFamilie) and flexible childcare (JUniKinder)
- University health promotion and a broad range of university sports activities
- Company benefits such as capital-forming benefits (VL) and company pension scheme (VBL)
- 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31
The advertised position is offered as a fixed-term position for a maximum of 3 year(s).
This is a part-time position with 67 % of the working hours of a full-time employee (26.8 hours per week).
Please apply with the standard documents: a cover letter of a maximum of 2 pages, a tabular CV, a list of publications (if available), certificates & diplomas, and at least 2 letters of recommendation from your mentors.
Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.
Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 16.10.2026 using our online form.
For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to