Fully Funded PhD Positions in Conjugated Polymers and Interchain Aromaticity at TU Wien Technische Universität Wien in Austria

Two fully funded PhD positions are available at Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien) in the Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna, Austria.

The positions are part of the ERC Starting Grant project INTERCHAIN on interchain aromaticity in conjugated polymers. The project aims to develop new molecular designs based on macrocyclic motifs to create strong interchain interactions, stacked-ring aromaticity, and improved charge transport for applications in organic electronics and organic battery electrodes.

One PhD will focus on molecular design, synthesis, purification, macrocyclization, cross-coupling, and polymerization. The other will focus on processing, thin-film formation, solid-state characterization, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and application-oriented studies. The lab also emphasizes reproducible research, FAIR data practices, collaboration with computational and advanced characterization partners, and dissemination in journals and conferences.

Funding: 3 years, fully funded, with a salary of EUR 2,832.10 gross per month (14x/year), plus health and pension insurance. TU Wien also mentions additional benefits and a subsidy for the Klimaticket Ö.

Eligibility: MSc or equivalent in Synthetic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field by the start date; excellent English required; German is not required. Relevant experience with cross-coupling, NMR, GPC, MS, UV-Vis, fluorescence, Raman/FTIR, electrochemistry, thin films, and/or mobility/conductivity measurements is expected, with additional interest in green/safe-by-design synthesis and materials processing viewed positively.

Deadline: 30 August 2026. Early applications are encouraged and interviews may begin before the deadline.

How to apply: Prepare a short video (up to 6 minutes), CV, and academic transcripts/certificates (BSc and MSc or equivalent). Include your email address in the CV and upload all files through the TU Wien application portal.