PhD Position (m/f/d) – Water-based Assembly of Covalent Materials

Offer Description

Applications for a PhD position (m/f/d) in the group of Jun.-Prof. Frederik Haase are invited. The Haase Lab is part of the Institute of Chemistry at the Heide Campus of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) in Halle (Saale), Germany.

Motivation: We want to understand how the assembly and disassembly of covalent materials such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can be guided, so that structures with the desired properties can be created on demand. Reticular chemistry has recently been recognized with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and we want to take the next step. A key gap is assembly in water, which is especially interesting because it would open the way to biological and medical applications. In this project, you will investigate how COFs can be assembled in water through linker design. Your work will combine multistep organic synthesis with the characterization of the resulting materials using PXRD, solid-state NMR, FTIR and TEM.

You would be part of [description of the group, research environment or graduate programme to be added].

Your tasks:

• Research on water-based COFs, including their preparation and characterization (PXRD, ssNMR, FTIR, TEM)
• Multistep synthesis of functional organic linker molecules
• Solvothermal synthesis of materials and organic materials synthesis
• Writing scientific manuscripts and contributing to research grant proposals
• Teaching duties

Who should apply: We are looking for a motivated and independent researcher with:

• a completed or soon-to-be completed Master of Science in Chemistry, or an equivalent degree
• demonstrable experience in multistep organic synthesis or synthetic polymer chemistry
• experience in characterizing (organic) materials or polymers
• good command of written and spoken English

What we offer: A 50% PhD position (TV-L E13,), fixed-term for 3 years, starting as soon as possible. Salary and social benefits follow the German public service regulations (TV-L). Gross monthly salary is approximately €2,380–2,680 depending on prior experience, plus the annual special payment and social benefits according to German public service regulations.

You would be part of a young, growing research group with a friendly and supportive working atmosphere. Our lab brings together people from different backgrounds and countries, and the working language is English. We have excellent research facilities at our disposal. Frequent interaction and feedback are always possible, and independent working is encouraged, so you can develop your own ideas and take ownership of your project.

Location: Halle (Saale) is a vibrant small city of about 240,000 inhabitants, with a large student population. Thanks to its central location in Germany and the high-speed train network, you can reach Berlin in about one hour and Leipzig in about 30 minutes, as well as most other major German cities quickly. Halle/Leipzig Airport provides connections across Europe.

How to apply: For questions, please contact Jun.-Prof. Frederik Haase (frederik.haase@chemie.uni-halle.de). Please send your application, including a cover letter and CV, quoting reference number Reg.-Nr. 5-4229/26-H, as a single PDF to the same address by 04.11.2026.

Applications from severely disabled candidates will be given preference if equally qualified. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Successful applicants with a degree not obtained at a German university will need to provide a Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications from the Central Office for Foreign Education (https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education). The position is advertised subject to possible budgetary restrictions. Application costs will not be reimbursed.

Where to apply

E-mail: frederik.haase@chemie.uni-halle.de

Requirements

• Research Field: Chemistry
• Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
• Skills/Qualifications:
  • a completed or soon-to-be completed Master of Science in Chemistry, or an equivalent degree
  • demonstrable experience in multistep organic synthesis or synthetic polymer chemistry
  • experience in characterizing (organic) materials or polymers
  • good command of written and spoken English
• Languages: ENGLISH
• Level: Excellent

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
• Country: Germany
• City: Halle (Saale)

Contact

• City: Halle (Saale)
• Website: https://www.chemie.uni-halle.de/ak_haase/
• Street: von-Danckelmann-Platz 4
• Postal Code: 06120