Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 117/2026
Closing date: 2026-05-25

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 studies the fundamental principles underlying microbial community interactions and functions in diverse habitats, ranging from oceans and groundwater to plants and human hosts. We integrate insights across ecological and medical fields to enhance our understanding of microbial balance from the molecular to the ecosystem level. We develop tools and detection technologies to shape microbiome dynamics for environmental and human health benefits. The affiliated early career program of the Jena School for Microbial Communication offers an ambitious, structured and interdisciplinary post-graduate training based on top-level fundamental research.

The research group of Prof. Ivan Vilotijevic at the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” invites applications for a

Doctoral Researcher in Organic Chemistry

commencing in July 2026 or upon agreement. We offer a part-time position (65%) at the University of Jena, offered as a fixed-term position for 3.5 years.

The project spans the areas of organic synthesis, peptide chemistry and catalysis. It aims to develop novel synthetic methods for site selective chemical modification of peptides and apply these methods in modification of natural products involved in microbial signalling and microbial communication.

Your responsibilities:

Perform laboratory experiments, data analysis and work independently towards your doctoral research project
Analyse project results, generate figures for publications, and write scientific manuscripts for publication
Present your results at local, national, and international meetings and conferences
Work closely together with other experimental and computational researchers in the research group and within the Cluster
Assist with training and supervising other researchers (e.g. student assistants, BSc students)
Contribute to the friendly, welcoming, and collaborative environment in our team

Your profile:

A MSc in organic chemistry or closely related disciplines. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their MSc are encouraged to apply
Laboratory experience in organic synthesis, photocatalysis and peptide chemistry is desired
The project will require extensive knowledge of organic synthesis as well as analysis and characterization of organic compounds including a panel of different MS based techniques.
A high level of curiosity, self-motivation, enthusiasm and attention to detail
A cooperative personality actively seeking to contribute to our interdisciplinary and inclusive Microverse community
Very good written and spoken English communication skills

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:

A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic and interdisciplinary scientific network
The Jena School for Microbial Communication offers a structured and interdisciplinary doctoral training program based on top-level fundamental research and provides comprehensive mentoring programs and soft skills courses
Jena – City of Science, a young and lively city with a vibrant local cultural agenda
A dedicated management team, providing support and information on non-scientific subjects, such as onboarding and family life, and organizing individualized career development programs, and events on topics like diversity and collaboration
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 3.5-year doctoral researcher position (TV-L E13, 65%) is funded through the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. The employment contract will be with the University of Jena.

To promote gender equality in science, applications by women are particularly welcome. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to join us? Then apply by 25.05.2026 using our online portal.

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