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 junior research group of Dr. Mürtz funded by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung in the LignUp project and located at the Institute for Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry seeks to fill the position of a
Postdoctoral Researcher in electrocatalytic lignin valorization
commencing on 1 September 2026 with flexibility until end of this year.
We offer a full-time position (40 hours per week), initially for a period of one year, with the prospect of extension for a further year.
Dr. Mürtz’s junior research group is currently being established within the Chair of Chemistry of Materials for Energy Applications. The junior research group focuses on electrocatalytic biomass transformations, particularly on lignin depolymerisation and valorisation. The position to be filled is part of the “LignUp” project within the Carl Zeiss Breakthrough program (https://www.carl-zeiss-stiftung.de/en/project-overview/detail/upgrading-von-lignin-fuer-faire-rohstoffe-lignup), which aims for upgrading lignin from a waste product to valuable materials. This cutting-edge and interdisciplinary project offers you the opportunity to develop innovative technology, while contributing to the establishment of a young and motivated research group.
Your responsibilities:
1. Design and drive innovative research projects in electrocatalytic lignin valorization
2. Lead the setup of experimental systems, including developing protocols for electrocatalytic studies and establishing analytical methods for product characterization
3. Plan, perform, and interpret advanced electrochemical and catalytic experiments with a high degree of independence
4. Play a central role in establishing the group’s capabilities in lignin valorization and electrocatalytic experimentation
5. Publish results in high-impact journals and present at international conferences
6. Collaborate with other members of the working group, the chair, the institute, and other partners across disciplines (chemistry, materials science, engineering)
7. Supervision of students and support grant writing activities
Your profile:
8. Excellent Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related discipline
9. Strong analytical thinking and motivation for research in sustainable/green chemistry
10. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international team
11. Prior experience and a strong foundation in electrochemistry and catalysis or lignin-related research including NMR and GC-MS is advantageous
12. Fluent in written and spoken English is essential
13. Experience in Python for data analysis, visualization, and experimental control is advantageous
We offer:
14. Research in an international team with a focus on sustainable and future-oriented applications, with room for your own ideas
15. Interdisciplinary research at the interface between chemistry, physics, materials science, and environmental engineering. Excellent, state-of-the-art research equipment and infrastructure
16. Participation in national and international conferences
17. Strong support in career progression
18. 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.
19. 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31
The advertised position is temporary (1 year) and is funded by the foundation Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung (CZS). This is a full-time position (40 hours per week).
We will only consider applicants who have not previously been employed by the Free State of Thuringia.
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.