Two PhD positions on photoelectron spectroscopy of chiral molecules at the University of Münster, Germany (Deadline: 31.07.26)6)
We are currently looking to fill two PhD positions in the Enantioselective Photoelectron Spectroscopy junior research group at the University of Münster, in Münster, Germany. Although both positions are formally offered by the University of Münster, one candidate will be located primarily at the Center for Soft Nanoscience in Münster, Germany, while the other will be primarily located at the Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin, Germany, where the group has guest status.
Position Descriptions:
We are seeking motivated and curious candidates who are interested in molecular physics, chirality, spectroscopy, and vacuum instrumentation development. The goals the of the PhD projects are to apply spin- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy to identify underlying molecular mechanisms driving chirality induced spin selectivity and photoelectron circular dichroism. The PhD candidates will utilize an existing state-of-the-art liquid-compatible experimental apparatus to perform photoelectron spectroscopy experiments involving chiral molecules and materials, assembled on solid surfaces as well as in the solution phase. Under supervision of the project leader, the candidates will develop expertise with microfluidic, vacuum, laser, and high-voltage instrumentation, with data analysis, and with scientific writing and communication. The candidates will attend national and international research conferences to communicate scientific findings, and will additionally perform experiments at European synchrotron-radiation facilities (including SOLEIL in Paris, BESSY II in Berlin, PETRA III in Hamburg, and MAX IV in Lund). While one candidate will be primarily based in Münster, Germany, and the other in Berlin, Germany, both candidates will be involved in the projects taking place in both cities, and will be integrated into vibrant collaborative research landscapes. These positions are tied to working towards a doctorate. The candidates may be required to teach 4 hours per week.
Skills and qualifications: The applicants must have a Msc degree or equivalent in physics, chemistry, or materials science. Experience with laser optics, vacuum equipment, absorption and photoemission spectroscopy, and scientifically relevant software and high-leveling programming languages would be advantageous. Excellent spoken and written English is required. German language skills are not required, but a willingness to learn is desirable.
Deadline: All applications must be received by 31.07.2026. The start date is flexible depending on the candidate, as early as September 2026.
Salary: The candidates will be compensated at the E13 level (65%). For up-to-date numbers, please consult the TVöD pay scale for North Rhine-Westphalia.
Interested applicants should send their application materials (in English or in German), including a cover letter, CV (including publications and public presentations, if any), degree certificates, and the names of two references, as a single PDF directly to Dominik Stemer (dstemer@uni-muenster.de). Please use the subject line “Molecular Dynamics: Application for PhD position in Enantioselective Photoelectron Spectroscopy”.
