2026 PhD position at the University of Bayreuth

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with international and interdisciplinary profiles in research and teaching. Within the collaborative research centre (CRC1585, MultiTrans), the Friedrich junior research group has the following vacancy: PhD position (m/f/d) for the fabrication of TMD-based nanostructured materials. The position will be filled starting from 01.02.2026 and is initially limited up to 30.06.2027 with a possible extension until the end of the PhD program. Salary is based on pay grade 13 TV-L.

The project:
The CRC 1585 creates, characterises, and models novel materials for a sustainable energy transformation. We aim to elucidate, fundamentally understand, and control the transport behaviour of ions, molecules, electrons, and heat in and between nanostructured functional materials across multiple time- and length-scales. This includes strategies to program materials to guide multiple transport species together, independently of each other or in spatially different directions.

In project C02 we aim to develop a fundamental understanding of anisotropic heat- and electron transport in nanostructured materials based on 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) by combining experiment and theory. We aim to study the interactions of TMD nanosheets confined in organic matrices such as polymers or larger molecules to gain control over the direction of the heat flow and achieve efficient heat dissipation or insulation. A feedback loop between experiment and theory and close cooperation with our partners performing thermal transport measurements will guide our project to achieve this goal.

Your tasks:

• Improvement and further developments of (solution-based) methods for the fabrication of nanoscale MoS2 and expansion to other TMD nanosheets
• Fabrication of TMD-based nanostructured composite materials such as TMD/TMD bragg stacks or TMD/organic composites (e.g. polymers, cations, TMD-surface functionalization)
• Manufacturing of composite thin films (e.g., via spray coating or slot die coating)
• Structural characterization of colloidal solutions and composite thin film samples via SEM, TEM, Raman, AFM, FT-IR, XRD, SLS/DLS, …
• Close cooperation with our partner performing theoretical calculations and transport (heat, electrons) measurements

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineFebruary 20, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Bayreuth
• City to studyBavaria
• School to studyUniversity of Bayreuth
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Constructive working atmosphere in a friendly, open-minded, interdisciplinary, and international team
• Independent basic and application-oriented research
• Doctorate in our tailor-made graduation programme “TransMat” that promotes your scientific, personal, and educational excellence
• Training on modern analytical techniques (XRD, NMR, UV/VIS, IR, SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS, SLS/DLS, Raman…)
• Networking with exciting national and international scientists and the opportunity to carry out research stays in international laboratories
• Flexible working hours
• Occupational health management
• Reconciling family and career

Requirements

• Master's degree in chemistry or materials science (diploma or equivalent)
• Solid background in inorganic chemistry, materials science or colloidal chemistry
• Experience in inorganic chemistry and working in a chemical laboratory
• Experience involving nanoparticle syntheses and characterization
• Experience working with TMD materials is welcome
• Ability to work independently and organised
• Commitment, high flexibility, team spirit, open-minded personality
• Dedication for conducting cutting-edge research in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Fluency in English (spoken and written)

Application Documents

• succinct motivation letter, explaining your reasons for wanting to join this CRC;
• max. 3 page CV;
• certificates, and copies of records of your BSc and MSc

The documents will be deleted after the position has been filled in accordance with data protection requirements.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Please apply online via the University of Bayreuth application portal with relevant application documents by 20.02.2026 using the keyword "MultiTrans_C02".

For more information, kindly visit the University of Bayreuth website.