2 PhD Student Positions (all genders welcome)

The Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen is currently inviting applications for 

2 PhD Student Positions (all genders welcome)

The positions must be filled by September 1st 2026 with a contract initially limited to three years. The regular working hours will be 25.87 hours per week, and the salary corresponds to the E13 TV-L (65 %) level. The position is affiliated with the group of Prof. Dr. Nadja Simeth (https://nasc-lab.com). The lab’s research covers organic photochemistry, bioorganic and labelling chemistry and chemical biology. 

The prospective candidates work on a project funded by the Böhringer Ingelheim Foundation on the design and investigation of photi-peptides for the regulation of enzyme function, in collaboration with groups from biology and biochemistry on the Göttingen Campus. 

The prospective PhD students will
–    work in an interdisciplinary, inclusive, supportive, and international research environment
–    develop a research project with increasing scientific independence
–    receive a structed training within a graduate school, personal supervision, and regular feedback
–    be guided to supervise undergraduate students

Your profile
You…
–    hold or will hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related areas,
–    have very good communication skills in written and spoken English,
–    have a strong background in organic, bioorganic, or peptide synthesis
–    
To match PhD position 1, you ideally…
–    have experience in HPLC(-MS) analysis and preperative HPLC,
–    have experience in biochemistry techniques, e.g. recombinant synthesis and enzyme activity studies
–    have experience in (automated) solid phase peptide synthesis and peptide characterization ((VT-)CD, etc.)
To match PhD position 2, you ideally…
–    have some experience in the synthesis and handling of light-sensitive compounds (photoswitches, PPGSs)
–    have experience in photochemical experiments and their analysis (UV-Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, NMR,…)
–    have experience in labelling chemistry of biomolecules

For both positions good communication skills in German are beneficial.

Göttingen is a lively university city in central Germany, which hosts numerous internationally renowned research institutions, including not only the famous University but also its Medical Center, several Max Planck Institutes, the European Neuroscience Institute, the German Primate Center, amouny many others.

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. The university has committed itself to be a family-friendly institution and supports its employees in balancing work and family life. Applications from disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.

Interested? Please send your application by June 8st, 2026, as a single pdf file to simeth@uni-goettingen.de. Interviews will take place in mid June virtually. You application must include a concise motivation letter stating the ID of the advert (and position), your interest in the research work, a CV, a copy of your Master certificate in English or German (or a transcript of records if not yet graduated), list of publications (if applicable), a summary of past research and a short statement of future research interest (1 page), and the names as well as contact information of two references.

Please note:
With the submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage are provided at: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/hinweisdsgvo