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

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

Institut für Polymerchemie, Raum Stuttgart, Campus Vaihingen

The University of Stuttgart offers a PhD position in the research group of Jun‑Prof. Dr. Endo. The role focuses on the synthesis of metal‑organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and their catalytic applications. Possible projects include the creation of MOF–COF hybrid frameworks assisted by machine‑learning or the synthesis of MOFs with immobilized molecular catalysts for thermocatalytic applications. The position starts as soon as possible.

Your Tasks

• 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)

Your Profile

• Master's degree in Chemistry or Materials Science
• Experience 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 institute colleagues
• Pursuit of a doctorate in the Graduate Academy of the University of Stuttgart (GRADUS)

Employment and Compensation

• Initial contract of 1.5 or 3 years, with prospect of extension up to 4 years
• Position as employee at the University of Stuttgart; German TV‑L E13 scale 50 % (possibility of increasing to 67 % after one year)
• Location: Stuttgart, Campus Vaihingen

Application

Submit a web application via the university portal with résumé/CV, letter of motivation, Master’s degree certificate, two reference letters or their contact information, and up to two publications.

Contact

Jun‑Prof. Dr. Kenichi Endo

Equal Opportunity

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. The university is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.

References

• 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
• F. Neubauer, K. Endo, F. Bender, E. Ciftci, N. Hansen, S. Krause, B. Uekermann, J. Pleiss, ChemRxiv 2026, preprint
• 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