About us:

The Cutsail research group at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich is seeking a highly motivated PhD student / research assistant for full-time, on-site work in the field of bioinorganic spectroscopy, with a particular emphasis on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.

This position is part of a newly established research group (2025) in the Department of Chemistry (Inorganic Chemistry). Our group investigates fundamental questions in bioinorganic chemistry using advanced spectroscopic techniques to understand the structure and reactivity of complex metal-containing systems.

We are looking for you:

PhD Student / Research Assistant (m/f/x)

in Munich, Großhadern

Your tasks and responsibilities:

The primary focus of this PhD project is the EPR and inorganic spectroscopic characterization of nitrogenase and synthetic model complexes. This research is part of a large, funded collaborative project supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, involving partner researchers based in Germany, Switzerland, and France. The successful candidate will use advanced spectroscopic methods to study the structure and reactivity of nitrogenase enzymes and biomimetic complexes, contributing to a broader effort to understand nitrogen fixation at the molecular level.

Your Responsibilities:

• Perform EPR and related spectroscopic investigations of biological and synthetic nitrogenase systems
• Prepare synthetic iron-sulfur clusters for spectroscopic analysis
• Analyze data and collaborate with project partners
• Maintain and operate advanced spectroscopic instrumentation
• Assist in laboratory organization and support training of junior researchers
• Present research findings at international conferences and in peer-reviewed publications
• Mentor and support junior students in the laboratory

Your qualifications:

• Completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a closely related field
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English (required)
• German language skills are desirable
• Interest in inorganic spectroscopy and metalloenzymes
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multinational team
• Experience with EPR spectroscopy or related techniques
• Background in inorganic, bioinorganic, or coordination chemistry
• Experience in inorganic synthesis and/or Schlenk-line preparations
• Experience with scientific programming (e.g., MATLAB, LabView) is advantageous
• Experience performing quantum chemistry computations (e.g., DFT) is advantageous
• Familiarity with scientific instrumentation and electronics

Benefits:

• TV-L (E13, 67%) collective agreement (Current TV-L pay table)
• A three-year PhD contract
• Access to world-class research infrastructure at LMU’s High Tech Campus (Großhadern, Munich)
• Opportunity to build novel experimental infrastructure in a growing research group
• Access to advanced instrumentation and interdisciplinary collaborations
• A supportive and dynamic scientific environment
• Participation in symposia and conferences
• Opportunities for teaching and professional development
• Theater and culture: special events, discounts and vouchers

Also possible in a part-time capacity.

Contact:

Please send your application materials as a single PDF file to Prof. Dr. George Cutsail, george.cutsail@cup.lmu.de, using GC-010 in the subject line. Your application should include:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Academic transcripts
• Contact information for two references

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