Open Positions

PhD Position: Hybrid Metallopolymers for Chiral Light Emission

Plajer Group – Macromolecular Chemistry, Bayreuth, Starting Date: Autumn 2025

The group: Our research bridges inorganic and macromolecular chemistry to create functional materials with unconventional elemental building blocks. We focus on incorporating main group and transition metal centres into polymeric structures to achieve responsive, adaptive, and optoelectronically active materials. Our work combines synthetic chemistry with in-depth material characterization and real-world applications—from self-healing gels to emissive devices. With strong links to both fundamental chemistry and applied physics, our group provides a highly interdisciplinary training environment for aspiring researchers

The project: This PhD project explores how hybrid polymers containing main group and transition metal centres can be used to develop chiral, stimuli-responsive, light-emitting materials. You will investigate how non-covalent and metal–metal interactions influence key material properties—such as emission colour, circularly polarized luminescence, mechanical behaviour, and phase transitions. The goal is to go beyond conventional organic polymer design by leveraging the unique electronic and structural features of inorganic elements.

This will involve:

(i) Designing and synthesizing novel hybrid monomers and polymers,

(ii) Studying chiral self-assembly and structure–property relationships and,

(iii) Collaborating with the physics department on advanced photophysical characterization.

Your Profile: We are looking for enthusiastic and curious candidates with a strong background in one or more of the following areas: Synthetic polymer chemistry and materials characterization, Organometallic or inorganic synthesis, Coordination chemistry. Experience with inert atmosphere techniques (e.g. Schlenk line, glovebox), NMR spectroscopy, and chromatography is beneficial. A collaborative mindset and scientific ambition are more important than ticking every box.

Eligibility and Application: Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Chemistry or a closely related field. The position is fully funded (TVL-E13 50%).

Please submit your application, which should include a CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter detailing your background, motivation, and interest, in a single PDF file to Jun.-Prof. Dr. Plajer (alex.plajer(at)uni-bayreuth.de).

Feel free to contact us in advance if you have any questions. We look forward to receiving your application!

Applications for research internships and master thesis (internal or external) are always welcome!