Doctoral researcher in Organic Chemistry in the Cluster of Excellence NaviSense

About us

The newly funded Cluster of Excellence NaviSense for the Sensory Basis, Mechanisms, and Impacts of Animal Navigation is a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research project hosted at the University of Oldenburg and involving national and international partner institutions. As a diverse and international team of scientists from biology, physics, chemistry, computer sciences and social sciences we provide a thorough, interdisciplinary understanding of the senses and mechanisms used by animals to navigate, and how these mechanisms can inspire technology and impact society, ecology, and biodiversity. 

NaviSense performs research in the areas of (1) animal navigation mechanisms and their underlying senses, (2) quantum effects at ambient temperature in model systems and biology, (3) ecological and conservation related consequences of animal navigation, and (4) links biological and technical systems through models, algorithms, and devices. The acquired knowledge can help to solve major societal questions related e.g. to the biodiversity crisis, GPS independent navigation, and quantum sensing at ambient temperature. For more information see https://navisense.org/. 

This advertised project belongs to the area (2). Organic compounds with electron-donor and -acceptor moieties will be prepared and shall serve as molecular model systems to studying magnetic field dependent quantum effects under ambient conditions.

Your tasks

• Synthetic organic chemistry: Multi-step preparation of organic compounds (mmol and sub-mmol scales) carrying electron-donating and -accepting moieties on a rigid molecular scaffold. Purification of intermediate and final products by preparative column chromatography. Characterization of these products by 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry (e.g. by LC-MS coupling).
• Collaborating with other researchers on interdisciplinary research projects and publications
• Participation in NaviSense events like retreats and seminars to present your research, strengthen scientific discussions and team building (considering individual possibilities)
• Mandatory participation in our qualification program hosted in the NavNextGen Academy (see below) 

Your profile

Required qualifications:

• University degree (master’s degree, diploma (university)) or equivalent in chemistry
• Laboratory experience in multi-step organic synthesis preferably by an appropriate master or diploma thesis.
• Theoretical knowledge in Organic Chemistry
• Experience in NMR spectroscopic characterization and structure elucidation of organic compounds
• Fluency in spoken and written English

Preferable/Desirable:

• Dedication for the research field
• Enthusiasm for and willingness to engage in interdisciplinary and international collaborations across many different fields of expertise
• Ability to work independently
• Showing team spirit
• Good communication skills
• Strong insights into the field of synthetic organic chemistry
• Knowledge of German language

We offer

• Being part of a unique interdisciplinary, collaborative, international and diverse research team and scientific environment
• Access to a very wide range of expertise, modern equipment and state-of-the-art techniques
• You and your peers will be part of our qualification program hosted in the NavNextGen Academy which will allow you to participate in conferences, excursions, courses, and workshops with great networking opportunities, research training, and career and mentoring programs, to further promote your personal and professional development
• Guidance during your onboarding phase and support during your doctorate
• Payment in accordance with collective bargaining law (special annual payment, public service pension scheme, asset-related benefits) incl. 30 days annual leave
• A family-friendly environment with flexible working hours
• Benefits from the university's health promotion program and possibility to participate in the university sports program 

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Contact

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Jens Christoffers, jens.christoffers@uol.de, +49-441 798 4744.