PhD position for MOF/COF synthesis and catalysis (f/m/d) - Stuttgart

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Publication date:  Apr 7, 2026

Position-ID: 1828

Faculty, Institute: Chemistry : IPOC - Institute of Polymer Chemistry

Application deadline: 04/30/2026

Anticipated start date: as soon as possible

Are you excited by the design of next-generation materials, the chemistry of crystalline self-assembly, or catalysis driven by precisely defined atomic environments? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative and interactive research setting? The research group of Jun.-Prof. Dr. Endo focuses on the synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and their catalytic applications, and is currently seeking highly motivated candidates for PhD positions, with a starting date as soon as possible.

Your Tasks

One of the following projects or related topics:

• Synthesis of novel MOF–COF hybrid frameworks (MOCOFs) assisted by machine-learning (ref 1, 2)

• Synthesis of MOFs and immobilization of molecular catalysts for thermocatalytic applications (ref 3)

Participation in teaching (5%)

Your Profile

• Master's degree in Chemistry or Materials Science

• Experiences in solution-state synthesis

• Understanding of coordination chemistry

• Excellent oral and written English communication skills

• Curiosity and boldness to explore the unknown

• Optional: Schlenk techniques, glovebox, PXRD, NMR, Materials Studio, Python, JSON Schema

Your Benefits

• Training in MOF/COF synthesis and characterization

• Guidance on original research, project management, presentation, and paper writing

• Individualized supervision and open communication in a small group

• Development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills

• Intellectual and social life with the group and the institute colleagues.

• Pursuit of a doctorate in the Graduate Academy of the University of Stuttgart (GRADUS).

Application

Please fill out the web application form, which should include a resume/CV, a letter of motivation (cover letter), a Master's degree certificate with grades (academic transcripts), two reference letters or contact information for referees, and up to two publications. 

References

[1] K. Endo,* S. Canossa, F. Heck, D. M. Proserpio, M. S. Istek, F. Stemmler, J. van Slageren, S. Hartmann, A. Hartschuh, B. V. Lotsch,* Nat. Synth. 2025, 4, 603–613, DOI: 10.1038/s44160-024-00719-x.

[2] F. Neubauer,† K. Endo,†* F. Bender, E. Ciftci, N. Hansen, S. Krause, B. Uekermann, J. Pleiss,* ChemRxiv 2026, preprint, DOI: 10.26434/chemrxiv.10001842/v1.

[3] W. Barakat, M. Benz, M. Dyballa, K. Endo, M. Nowakowski, M. Paetsch, H. Shatla, M. Singh, D. Strassheim, S. Krause, B. V. Lotsch, M. Bauer, D. P. Estes, ChemRxiv 2026, preprint, DOI: 10.26434/chemrxiv.15000703/v1.

Employment and compensation information

Duration of Employment: Initial contract of 1.5 or 3 years (depending on the project), with the prospect of extension up to 4 years
Type of Funding: Position as Employee at the University of Stuttgart 
Compensation: German TV-L E13 scale 50%, with the possibility of increasing to 67% after one year

Employment at the cooperation partner: No 
Location: Stuttgart, Campus Vaihingen 

​Contact Details

Contact person: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Kenichi Endo 
Mail: kenichi.endo@ipoc.uni-stuttgart.de
Phone: +49 0711 685 64112‬ 
Website: https://www.ipoc.uni-stuttgart.de/pcmc/   

At the University of Stuttgart, we actively promote diversity among our employees. We have set ourselves the goal of recruiting more female scientists and employing more people with an international background, as well as people with disabilities. We are therefore particularly pleased to receive applications from such people. Regardless, we welcome any good application. 

Women who apply will be given preferential consideration in areas in which they are underrepresented, provided they have the same aptitude, qualifications and professional performance. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be given priority.

As a certified family-friendly university, we support the compatibility of work and family, and of professional and private life in general, through various flexible modules. We have an employee health management system that has won several awards and offer our employees a wide range of continuing education programs. We are consistantly improving our accessibility. Our Welcome Center helps international scientists get started in Stuttgart. We support partners of new professors and managers with a dual-career program.

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