The Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) , a newly founded national research hub in Germany, is supported by €1.25 billion in funding (until 2038) and is dedicated to redefining the role of chemistry in tackling global challenges. It brings together researchers from across disciplines such as chemistry, physics, engineering, data science, and social sciences to develop sustainable materials, processes, and technologies that support a circular economy. The CTC is structured around…
collaborative, mission-driven research groups and state-of-the-art facilities, fostering open science, innovation, and industry partnerships. Its core mission is not only to advance cutting-edge chemistry but also to train the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs who will drive the transformation of chemistry for a sustainable society.
We are seeking a hands-on Technical Specialist / Technical Assistant with a strong focus on solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The role combines routine laboratory and instrument operation with selected higher-level NMR responsibilities. Depending on experience, the successful candidate will contribute to method selection and optimization, advanced spectral processing, quality assessment, troubleshooting, and training. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced technical professional who enjoys working at the interface of instrumentation, analytical problem-solving, and scientific service.
Key responsibilities
NMR operations and analytical service
- Plan and perform routine and non-routine solution-state NMR measurements, including common 1D and 2D experiments, in line with sample requirements and scientific questions
- Coordinate sample receipt, preparation guidance, measurement scheduling, traceable documentation, data storage, and timely delivery of results
- Assess sample suitability and spectral quality, including concentration, solvent, referencing, locking, shimming, signal-to-noise, line shape, artifacts, and experiment completeness
- Process and present NMR data using established software; support users with basic interpretation
- Optimize acquisition parameters and select appropriate pulse sequences for moderately complex analytical questions within agreed service scope
- Support quantitative and comparative measurements when suitable procedures, controls, and acceptance criteria are available
Instrument reliability, troubleshooting, and laboratory stewardship
- Perform daily and periodic instrument checks, monitor cryogens where applicable, handle probes and accessories safely, and coordinate preventive maintenance and service visits
- Conduct first-line troubleshooting of sample, software, automation, probe, tuning/matching, temperature-control, and basic hardware issues; escalate appropriately and document corrective actions
- Maintain instrument performance records, SOPs, work instructions, logs, reference samples, consumables, and laboratory inventories
- Contribute to safe laboratory operation, risk assessments, chemical handling practices
- Provide technical support for complementary spectroscopic techniques such as ATR-IR, UV–Vis, and circular dichroism, with training provided where needed
User support and capability development
- Advise scientists, students, and collaborators on sample preparation, experiment choice, realistic turnaround times, and data-quality expectations
- Train authorized users in safe instrument operation, routine acquisition, data handling, and good NMR practice; help maintain concise training materials
- Contribute to workflow improvement, automation, booking and sample-tracking processes, reusable parameter sets, and service documentation
- Collaborate with scientists and technical colleagues on method transfer, feasibility studies, and the introduction of new NMR capabilities
Qualifications and experience
Essential
- Completed vocational training as a chemical or physics laboratory technician, comparable technical qualification, or a Bachelor’s degree/diploma in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or a related discipline
- Substantial hands-on experience with solution-state NMR in an academic, research, or industrial laboratory, including sample handling, instrument operation, and spectral processing
- Practical understanding of locking, shimming, tuning/matching, probe and sample limitations, chemical-shift referencing, and common causes of poor spectral quality
- Ability to work safely, reliably, and independently within defined procedures
- Confident use of laboratory software and structured electronic file management; commitment to accurate, traceable documentation
- Good working knowledge of English and German language
Preferred additional NMR expertise
- Independent setup and optimization of standard 1D and 2D experiments, for example ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹F, ³¹P, DEPT/APT, COSY, TOCSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY/ROESY, and selective experiments
- Experience with multinuclear NMR, heteronuclear decoupling, variable-temperature experiments, water or solvent suppression, reaction monitoring, or kinetic measurements
- Practical knowledge of quantitative NMR (qNMR), including suitable internal or external standards, relaxation-delay considerations, integration quality, and uncertainty-aware reporting
- Experience with diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY), mixture analysis, or other advanced experiments relevant to small molecules, polymers, catalysts, or functional materials
- Advanced spectral processing and evaluation using software such as Bruker TopSpin, MestReNova, or comparable platforms, including phasing, baseline correction, referencing, peak picking, integration, and publication-ready export
- Experience with automated sample changers, cryoprobes, temperature-control units, probe changes, instrument performance tests, parameter-set administration, or basic user and queue management
- Ability to recognize common artifacts and diagnose issues systematically
- Experience developing, validating, or transferring fit-for-purpose NMR methods and documenting acceptance criteria in a quality-conscious research environment
- Exposure to solid-state NMR or NMR of challenging sample classes is an additional advantage
What We Offer
- The opportunity to support groundbreaking research and contribute to the CTC's growth on its path toward becoming one of the largest research centers for chemistry in Europe
- The chance to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and international environment embedded in a highly motivated team
- A high degree of personal responsibility and the freedom to pursue independent research ideas
- Opportunities for supervisory responsibility and leadership development
- Individual support services fostering professional and personal growth
- Access to strong scientific and economic networks at regional, national, and international levels
- Public-sector employment conditions and social benefits, including 30 days of vacation (based on a five-day workweek), annual special payments, and additional pension benefits (VBL)
- Subsidy for a public transport job ticket
The CTC strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in our workforce and therefore encourage qualified individuals with disabilities to apply. Furthermore, the CTC seeks to increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.
Does this opportunity interest you? If so, our HR team looks forward to receiving your detailed application, including a cover letter, through our online application portal by October 31.
Learn more about the CTC and our mission at: https://transforming-chemistry.org/
Join us in shaping the future of chemistry and making a lasting impact!