Multiple Positions at the Research Training Group 3082 “Engineering Covalent Bonds in Molecules and Materials (Ec=m2)”

The Research Training Group 3082 “Engineering Covalent Bonds in Molecules and Materials (Ec=m2)” is located at the Departments of Chemistry, Physics and Materials Science and Engineering of Saarland University and at the Leibniz-Institute for New Materials (INM). The ever-increasing availability of novel (functionalized) molecular motifs and the advances in spectroscopy and theory create unique and novel opportunities for molecular reactivity and materials’ post-functionalization. Consult www.uni-saarland.de/ecm2 for details.

We invite applications for the following positions commencing 01 October 2025. Send your meaningful online application (in a single PDF file) either to [email protected] (W2560 and W2637) or to [email protected] (N2139) by 31 May 2025. Include the applicable reference in the subject line of the e-mail.

10 PhD Student Positions 

Reference W2560, salary according to German TV-L scale, pay grade: E13, duration of employment: 3 years, 67% of standard working time.

Initially, Ec=m2 will fund up to 10 PhD students in collaborative projects in organic and inorganic synthesis, theoretical chemistry, physics, polymers and materials. We provide first-class qualification and supervision to the PhD students including embedded international research stays. Indicate a maximum of three Ec=m2 principal investigators as preferred PhD supervisors in your application material (in order of preference). 

You will

• do cutting-edge research with international impact. 
• develop your doctoral project in cooperation with your supervisor(s). 

Your academic qualifications

• Master degree or equivalent in a relevant subject of Natural Sciences and/or Engineering
• Language skills: English C1

Desirable skills include

• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research in at least one focus of Ec=m2 
• excellent methodological skills
• Interest in developing and implementing research in a team

Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Reference W2637, salary according to German TV-L scale, pay grade: E13, duration of employment: 5 years, 100 % of standard working time.

You will do collaborative research in Ec=m2 on organic and/or inorganic thins films with emphasis on the electronic and magnetic properties. You will interact with Ec=m2 scientists of various backgrounds on a daily basis.

You will 

• deposit thin layers from gas and/or solution phase
• characterize surfaces in particular by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
• do maintenance of AFM and deposition equipment 
• implement novel AFM techniques (conductive, magnetic)

Your academic qualifications

• Doctoral degree / PhD in Natural Sciences / or equivalent
• Language skills: English C1 

Desirable skills include

• Experience with air- and moisture-sensitive compounds
• Teaching experience
• Pursuit of an independent academic career
• Language skills (according to GER): German – B2

Scientific Coordinator

Reference N2139, salary according to German TV-L scale, pay grade: E13, employment: 5 years, 100 % of standard working time.

Your involvement in Ec=m2 will be in the field of research management.

You will

• run the RTG Office (clerical support provided)
• monitor research and teaching activities, data management, scientific practice and budget
• write scientific and non-scientific reports
• be responsible for public relations and dissemination (homepage, social media) 

Your academic qualifications

• Doctoral degree / PhD Natural Sciences / or equivalent

Desirable skills of the successful candidate include

• Interest and/or experience in Research Management
• Experience in scientific and non-scientific writing and reporting
• Experience with outreach / social media
• German language skills (not mandatory)

With questions contact:

Prof. David Scheschkewitz
[email protected] 
Tel.: +49(0)681-302 71640