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

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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
 

Key visuals of research in the Endo Group

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 (acquired or prospective)
  • 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, stating the earliest possible starting date), a Master's degree certificate (if not obtained yet, prospective date) 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.

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