Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 167/2026
Closing date: 2026-07-24

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 Professorship of Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Biointerface Engineering at the Institute for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry seeks to fill a

PhD Position in Biomimetic Hybrid Materials

commencing on 01.09.2026.
We offer a part-time position (65%, 26 hours per week), limited to 2 years and a planned extension of 1 year.

The Professorship of focuses on natural biopolymers for tissue regeneration and the development of bio-inspired and bioresponsive materials for applications in regenerative medicine. The advertised position is part of an international DFG research project and offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative concepts for the development of mineralising hydrogel and scaffold systems for future bone replacement materials. The newly established research group in Jena offers a unique opportunity to actively shape emerging research directions with a high degree of scientific independence and creative freedom. Part of the experimental work can be carried out in cooperation with the interdisciplinary at the Institute for Bioprocess and Analytical Measurement Technology (iba) in Heilbad Heiligenstadt.

Your responsibilities:

You will develop and characterize chitin- and chitosan-based hydrogels as well as porous scaffolds
You will investigate biomimetic mineralization processes in gels and scaffolds
You will establish and optimize experimental methods for material functionalization using recombinant proteins
The rheological, micromechanical and structural characterization of the materials will form part of your remit
You will conduct cell biology studies using osteogenic cell models (expected to be performed at the IBA in Heilbad Heiligenstadt) and evaluate the results
You will analyze and interpret experimental data and prepare it for scientific publications
You will present research findings at national and international conferences
You will work on your own scientific research project with the aim of obtaining a PhD

Your profile:

A successfully completed university degree (Master’s, Diploma or equivalent) in Materials Science, Biomaterials, Chemistry, Biotechnology or a related field
Knowledge in at least one of the following areas is required: biomaterials, hydrogels, polymer science, cell culture or biomimetic mineralization
We expect you to work in a structured, independent and scientifically rigorous manner
You must have a very good command of written and spoken English
We require the ability to work in a team and a willingness to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across different research sites
Ideally, you have knowledge of rheological, microscopic or physicochemical characterization
Experience in scientific research and publishing is an advantage
Knowledge of statistical methods in the context of biological systems
Knowledge of analytical or imaging software is desirable
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:

Involvement in an international DFG research project with a strongly interdisciplinary focus (in collaboration with the Department of Life Sciences at Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva)
Excellent research infrastructure and access to state-of-the-art analytical facilities at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM)
Interdisciplinary research at the interface of biomaterials science and regenerative medicine
The advertised position is initially limited to two years. In line with the university’s structural funding commitment, an extension to a total of three years is envisaged.
A Graduate Academy for doctoral candidates and postdocs;
A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (JUniKinder);
University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities;
Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL) and an occupational pension (VBL)
Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at / up to salary scale E-13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications —, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

This is a part-time position (65%, 26 hours per week) offered as a fixed-term position for 2 years with the intention of prolongation by 1 more year.

In principle, the job is also suitable for part-time employment. The extent to which a part-time request can be granted, in particular with regard to the location and scope of the part-time work, will be assessed on the basis of the needs of the service.

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 24.07.2026 using our online form.

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