PhD Student

Online seit 2025-11-27PhD Student (f-m-d) Enhance Activities in Computational Homogeneous CatalysisApplication until2026-01-17Start of work2 February 2026Scope of work39 hThe Department ofMolecular Simulations and Design(Prof. Dr. Matthias Stein) at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systemsis inviting applications for the PhD Student (f/m/d) position. The Max Planck Institute in Magdeburg is a high profile research institution.Research topic:"Enhance Activities in Computational Homogeneous Catalysis”.This is a PhD position in Computational Chemistry, located in Magdeburg, Germany. The selected candidate will be responsible for conducting research in computational chemistry, developing computational models, analyzing molecular systems, and interpreting chemical data. The project aims at developing a sustainable workflow to design new and 'greener' catalysts and appropriate solvent systems. The role involves collaboration with experimental partners in interdisciplinary teams, participation in academic discussions, and contributing to scientific publications.Your TasksMulti-scale simulations of reaction pathways in homogeneous catalysisComputational design of novel non-precious catalystsAssessment and development of newly designed workflowsSetup of data-driven models to predict properties of catalytic reactionsYour QualificationsStrong foundation in Computational Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, or Molecular ModelingProficiency in coding and scripting languages such as Python, R, or similar, as well as experience with computational software used in ChemistryAnalytical skills and experience in scientific data analysisAbility to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary environmentsExcellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with experience in preparing scientific publications or presentationsA Master's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biophysics, or a related field is required; prior research experience is advantageousCuriosity-driven mindset with a strong interest in advancing the field of computational chemistryWorking knowledge of Linux operating systems and job schedulingWe offerRemuneration in salary group E13, 75 % (public sector, TVöD-Bund)Job with a fixed-term employment contract in the public sector for a term of 36 months.Working in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environmentState-of-the-art computing facilitiesOpportunity to attend national and international scientific conferencePossibility of training and personal developmentTheMax Planck Societyis committed to equal opportunities, gender equality, and diversity. What counts for us are your qualifications, professional strengths, and the candidates’ attitude. We, therefore, welcome all applications regardless of gender, cultural or social background, disability, religion, age, lifestyle, ideology or sexual identity. Increasing the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented is a primary goal of the Max Planck Society. We are therefore particularly interested in applications from qualified women and expressly encourage them to apply. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal to employ more severely disabled people. Severely disabled persons and persons of equal status will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified. Applications from severely disabled people are, therefore, expressly encouraged.Applications are evaluated continuously on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We intend to start that PhD project by 2 February 2026 at the latest. You may upload your application, including cover letter, curriculum vitae, Bachelor and Master certificates via our application portal below.Contact person for further information on the job advertisement:Prof. Dr. Matthias Stein(Head of MSD Group)