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 position is to develop and apply in situ EPR spectroscopic techniques using a newly acquired X- and Q-band EPR spectrometer. The candidate will be responsible for designing, building, and optimizing instrumentation and methods to investigate complex catalytic systems — including both synthetic and biological catalysts — under operational conditions.

Your Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement in situ EPR methodologies on state-of-the-art spectrometers
• Conduct research at the intersection of bioinorganic chemistry and spectroscopy
• Contribute to lab operations, including instrument development and maintenance
• Mentor and support junior students in the laboratory
• Present research findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

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
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• High motivation for interdisciplinary research and experimental innovation
• Experience with scientific programming (e.g., MATLAB, LabView) is advantageous
• Knowledge of scientific instrumentation and electronics is desired
• Experience with (or willingness to learn) stop-flow spectroscopy and kinetic modeling
• Experience with (or willingness to learn) 3D modeling, CAD software, and 3D printing

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-009 in the subject line. Your application should include:

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

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