Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 276/2026
Closing date: 2026-10-31

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 Chair of Glass Chemistry seeks to fill the position of a

Doctoral research position in the field of mechanoluminescent materials

commencing on January 1st, 2027, offered as fixed-term position for an initial period of 36 months according to TV-L E13 (75%).

Mechanoluminescence (ML) is the fascinating phenomenon where a material emits light in response to mechanical stimuli, such as scratching, compression, or impact. By translating mechanical stress directly into a visible, infrared, or ultraviolet optical response, ML opens up a plethora of groundbreaking applications. These range from real-time damage monitoring in advanced structural materials to biophysical stress analysis and the visualization of acoustic waves.

Despite its immense potential, the field of mechanoluminescence is still in its infancy. There is a critical gap both in the versatility of practical material solutions and in our fundamental understanding of the underlying physical and chemical mechanisms. This Ph.D. project aims to tackle these challenges, investigating how next-generation inorganic mechanoluminescent materials must be designed and synthesized to meet the stringent demands of future applications.

Your responsibilities:

• Design and synthesis of novel inorganic mechanoluminescent materials (e.g., solid-state synthesis, sol-gel processes, or melt-based routes).
• Structural and optical characterization using advanced techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM, photoluminescence, and decay spectroscopy).
• Mechanoluminescent testing utilizing custom-built setups to evaluate material responses under various mechanical loads (compression, friction, impact).
• Fundamental investigation of the charge-trapping and detrapping mechanisms that govern stress-induced light emission.
• Collaboration with internal and external partners to explore application-oriented device integration.
• Publication of research results in high-impact scientific journals and presentation at international conferences.

Your profile:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong background or keen interest in solid-state chemistry, luminescence, or smart materials.
• Hands-on experience with material synthesis and standard characterization techniques is highly desirable.
• High level of motivation, curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and as part of an international team.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken); knowledge of German is an asset but not mandatory.

We offer:

• A cutting-edge research project at the forefront of materials science.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and characterization tools.
• Comprehensive mentoring and integration into a structured doctoral training program.
• A vibrant, international, and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Flexible working hours (flexitime and, if applicable, teleworking)
• A comprehensive further and continuing education programme and individual qualification and development measures
• 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.

The position is (initially) offered as a fixed-term position for a maximum of 3 years.

This is a part-time position with 75% of the working hours of a full-time employee (30 hours per week).

You have any questions about the position, please do not hesitate to contact us via E-mail:

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 October 31, 2026 using our online form.

For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to