Job description

Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has retained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas since its founding in 1971. With a broad spectrum of subjects, we combine exceptional performance and innovative potential. As an ambitious research university, we stand for research-based learning approaches and a pronounced interdisciplinary orientation. We actively pursue scientific cooperation in a spirit of global partnership.

Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, research, and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration and operations, we are strongly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice, and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is expressed in the courage to try new things, in supportive cooperation, in respect and appreciation for each other. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we assume social responsibility in the region, in Europe, and in the world.

Job description

We are looking for a motivated PhD student with prior experience in the fields of crystallography, mineralogy, solid state chemistry, solid state physics and/or materials science to work on the project “Interplay of structure and dynamics in aluminium phosphate frameworks”, funded by the Zentrale Forschungsförderung of the University of Bremen. This project examines the structural flexibility of aluminium phosphate framework materials. Subtle structural distortions, driven by rigid unit modes (RUMs), control macroscopic properties of this zeotype compound. The successful candidate will synthesize the materials, employ various diffraction techniques, and perform supercell lattice dynamical calculations to explore how temperature, heteroatom substitution, and guest molecules influence the distortions associated with the RUMs. Insights gained will help design tailored porous materials for applications in catalysis, gas separation, and other areas requiring precision-engineered frameworks. Contributions to the research field are expected. The opportunity for a scientific qualification through preparation of a doctoral thesis will be provided and actively supported.

Job description

• Academic services in teaching to the extent of 1.5 SWS, including imparting specialist knowledge and practical skills as well as instruction in the application of scientific methods in the Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes as well as teaching export (= subject-specific teaching for other teaching units)
• Scientific services in research, collaboration in research projects, in particular preparation of scientific publications
• Own academic work as part of a doctorate
• Other university tasks, e.g. participation in academic self-administration

Requirements

• Academic university degree (master's degree or diploma) in geosciences, materials sciences, chemistry, or a related physical science
• Advanced understanding of crystalline materials and their properties
• Good oral and written English skills (CEFR level B2 or better)

First experiences with the analysis of disordered materials, superspace crystallography, simulation of material dynamics, X-ray/electron diffraction experiments, and/or programming skills are beneficial.

General Information

The Faculty of Geosciences offers an excellent working atmosphere, direct involvement in international research and attractive facilities.

We offer you, among other things:

• Annual special payment (‘Christmas bonus’), regular automatic salary increases in line with collective agreements and additional public service pension scheme (VBL)
• A crisis-proof, interesting and varied job in an open-minded university
• 30 days' holiday per calendar year and educational leave
• A diverse, future-orientated and open corporate culture
• Support from a collegial, motivated team with a positive working atmosphere
• Personalised induction training
• The opportunity for further and advanced training
• Compatibility of family and career through flexible working hours (flexitime) and the option of mobile working (subject to the general conditions)
• Free social and family counselling services
• Active company health management, including the option of discounts at local sports clubs, gyms and swimming pools (EGYM WELLPASS)
• The option of using a job ticket for local public transport
• Numerous sports and cultural activities
• Varied catering options in the student union canteens

The university is family-friendly, diverse and sees itself as an international university. We therefore welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

As the University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female employees in science, women are particularly encouraged to apply. In the case of equal qualifications, women are given priority, unless reasons relating to the person of a competitor prevail.

Disabled applicants will be given priority if their professional and personal qualifications are essentially the same.

For general questions about the personnel selection procedure and for questions about the content of the advertised position, please contact: Prof. Dr. Ella Schmidt (ella.schmidtprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de; Tel. +49 421 218 65160).

Please send your application with your complete documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, qualification certificates, references) to the following address, quoting the reference number A172-25 until 08.07.2025 as a PDF file by unencrypted electronic mail to: ella.schmidtprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de or by mail to:

Universität Bremen
Fachbereich 05 / Geowissenschaften
Prof. Dr. Ella Schmidt
Postfach 330 440
28334 Bremen

Please note that no photos are to be attached to the application documents.

We kindly ask you to send us only copies (no portfolios) of your application documents, as we cannot return them. Once the selection process has been completed, your application documents will be stored in accordance with legal requirements and then destroyed.

Any costs for the application process cannot be reimbursed.