Vacancy No. 163/2025

PhD Student / Research Assistant (f /m/d) - Metal Cluster Structures and Reactivity (Physical Chemistry)

Part-time 66 %

Job description

As part of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) TrackAct, funded by the German Research Foundation, you will investigate the structural and chemical properties of metal clusters in the gas phase with a focus on catalytically relevant species. The aim is a deeper understanding of such particles in the sub-nanometer range, whose structure and properties differ significantly from the bulk material, and which are promising candidates for the most active species in many catalytic processes. 

You will carry out the following tasks: 

  • Research and development of the Trapped Ion Electron Diffraction (TIED) experiment for the determination of cluster structure and reactivity in the gas phase
  • Development of new TIED-based structure search methods
  • Documentation of the research work, writing of publications
  • Cooperation and exchange with other groups and doctoral students of the CRC

The position offers the opportunity for an in-service doctorate.

Personal qualification

You have successfully completed a university degree (Diploma (Uni) / Master) in chemistry, physics or a related field with a solid background in experimental physical chemistry or molecular physics. Experience with gas phase experiments is an advantage. You also have very good written and verbal communication skills (English) and the ability to work independently in an international team.

Organizational unit

Institute of Nanotechnology (INT)

Starting date

01.07.2025

Salary

Salary category 13 TV-L, depending on the fulfillment of professional and personal requirements.

Contract duration

limited until 30.06.2028

Application up to

06.05.2025

Contact person in line-management

For further information, please contact Dr. Detlef Schooss, phone +49 721 608-26362.

Application

Please apply online using the button below for this vacancy number 163/2025 .
Personnel Support is provided by 

Ms Gemeinder
phone: +49 721 608-25011,

Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany

We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job.
Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.