The main part of your PhD research (4 years in total) will be carried out at the University of Stuttgart (Germany) under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Hajo Kries in the Department of Technical Biochemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry. Within these four years, an academic research stay (of 12 months) will take place at the University of Groningen (Netherlands) under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Clemens Mayer. Additionally, an industrial secondment at the company BASF (Germany) is foreseen. The Horizon Europe Marie Sk?odowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) – Doctoral Network (DN) project starts in January 2026. The date of recruitment and start of the PhD project is planned for April 2026 and latest in December 2026. Your PhD degree (so-called double degree) will be awarded based on successful completion of the research work from two universities (University of Stuttgart and University of Groningen). You will also be required to participate in the training events and workshops organized by the DN- Joint Doctorates (JD) program. As a MSCA fellow, you are also expected to contribute your time in the dissemination of your PhD project’s resultthrough public engagement and other scientific platforms.
Table of Content
Summary
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Benefits
You are offered:
- a salary according to the German public sector pay scale TV-L E13 (100%), commensurate with experience and qualifications,
- comprehensive social security coverage according to German standards, including health, unemployment, and pension insurance, and statutory accident insurance for workplace accidents,
- 30 days of paid annual leave,
- a PhD training programme and enrolment in the Graduate Academy of the University of Stuttgart (GRADUS).
The position is a full-time appointment (TV-L E13, 100%) for a total duration of four years. The preferred starting date is between April 1st and July 1st 2026.
Requirements
- An outstanding M.Sc. degree in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field
- Eligible as a graduate student at the University of Stuttgart (Germany) and the University of Groningen (the Netherlands)
- Research experience in enzyme purification and assays, organic chemistry, analytical methods (HPLC, GC, MS, NMR etc.)
- Experience in molecular molecular cloning or computational protein design is a plus
- Ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary team
- High motivation
- An integrative and cooperative personality with excellent communication and social skills
- Fluency in English – written and oral
Application Documents
In the application form you should provide:
- Personal information such as your first and last name, nationality and contact details.
- Curriculum vitae, including a publication list
- Motivation letter (maximum two pages), which should highlight your research experience and academic achievements, explain your interest in the project, and, if applicable, explain why you are applying to more than one project.
- A scanned copy of certified academic records. These documents must show the grades attained in exam periods and evidence that the required degree will be obtained by the expected time of recruitment if it has not already been awarded. In addition, the document should indicate a description of national grades.
- Any additional files relevant to the application.
- The contact of at least one university lecturer or scientist who are familiar with your academic work and who can judge your potential as a predoctoral researcher. Applicants will be responsible for ensuring that referees submit these letters.
- A summary of any work experience.
Application Deadline
December 31, 2025How To Apply
For more information, kindly visit University of Gottingen scholarship webpage.
