Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 287/2026
Closing date: 2026-11-30

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

Research Associate in the field of glass-based materials for neonatal sensing

commencing on March 1st, 2027, offered as fixed-term position for an initial period of 12 months (with the option to extend for 2 years) according to TV-L E13.

About the Project:
For premature infants, catheter placement is necessary whenever enteral nutrition is not feasible due to insufficient physiological development. Placing such a catheter without complications poses a significant challenge, as the anatomical structures are very small and are accompanied by high heart and respiratory rates.
We are looking for a colleague to take part in researching glass-based endoscopic sensor architectures assisting catheter tracking in neonatal treatment. This involves functional dyes and field-responsive phosphors placed at the tip of an optical fibre probe. Functionality under harsh conditions is ensured by all-inorganic glass encapsulation.

Your responsibilities:

• Design and synthesis of inorganic glass-based materials for encapsulation of functional dyes and phosphors.
• Design and manufacture of fibre-optical sensor architectures
• Structural and optical characterization of glasses using advanced techniques (e.g., photoluminescence, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy).
• Stress field analysis and mechanical testing of glass-based composite materials.
• 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 (or equivalent) and, preferably, Ph.D/Doctoral degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong background in optical materials, fibre optics, photoluminescence, or glass chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with glass synthesis and spectroscopic 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.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

The position is (initially) offered as a fixed-term position for 1 year with the option to extend for 2 years.

This is a full-time position with (40 hours per week).

If you have any questions about the position, please do not hesitate to contact us via EMail:

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 November 30th 2026 using our online form.

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