Job Description

PhD Researcher (f/m/x) PolyQuat2

The job

Subject to the approval of third-party funding, we are seeking a PhD researcher (f/m/x).

Water-soluble polymers are produced and used in large quantities, yet their environmental fate remains largely unknown. Polyquaternium polymers are of particular interest in this context, as they are suspected to be toxic, persistent, and present at high concentrations in the environment. If you are interested in investigating their environmental fate and potential effects, we invite you to apply for this PhD position.

Place of work

Leipzig

Working time

65%

Contract limitations

limited contract
/ 36 months

Salary

Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits.

Contact

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Dr. Daniel Zahn
daniel.zahn@ufz.de

Your application

To ensure a fair selection process, please submit your application (cover letter, CV, and relevant supporting documents) via our online portal without a photo, age information, or details about your marital status.

Diversity and Inclusion

The UFZ values diversity and is actively committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their origin, religion, beliefs, disability, age or sexual identity.
We welcome people who represent diverse backgrounds, identities and perspectives. We therefore particularly encourage people who are affected by structural discrimination to apply to us.

The UFZ

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) is a world-leading institution in environmental research and a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest scientific organisation. With approximately 1,200 employees across Leipzig, Halle, and Magdeburg, we have been conducting research since 1991 using a transdisciplinary approach to address the most pressing challenges of our time: biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental pollution. Our goal is to translate excellent research into practical solutions for policymakers, business, and society, and to serve as a reliable partner in supporting transformation processes toward a sustainable and just future for current and future generations. We foster a culture of collaboration, openness, and diversity within a work environment that actively promotes creativity and personal development.

The job

Subject to the approval of third-party funding, we are seeking a PhD researcher (f/m/x).

Water-soluble polymers are produced and used in large quantities, yet their environmental fate remains largely unknown. Polyquaternium polymers are of particular interest in this context, as they are suspected to be toxic, persistent, and present at high concentrations in the environment. If you are interested in investigating their environmental fate and potential effects, we invite you to apply for this PhD position.

Your tasks

• Development of analytical methods for water-soluble polymers in environmental matrices
• Analytical support for toxicity tests
• Biotransformation experiments for water-soluble polymers
• Experiments studying the interaction of polyquaternium polymers and dissolved organic matter
• Cooperation with project partners
• Preparation of scientific publications and reports
• Active participation in the HIGRADE graduate school, workshops, and (inter-)national conferences

We offer

• Excellent supervision and optimal professional and interdisciplinary qualification through our HIGRADE graduate programme
• The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
• The opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
• Firstclass integration into national and international research networks to work together on global challenges
• Excellent research infrastructure and research data management to optimally support your work
• A wide range of options for balancing care responsibilities and work through our family office
• Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the ‘International Office’
• Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Deutschland-Job-Ticket
• A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity

Your profile

• Master's degree in chemistry, environmental sciences or related field
• Experience in analytical chemistry in particular HPLC-HRMS
• Very good written and oral communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently and motivation to work in an interdisciplinary team and in a collaborative project
• Scientific and solution-oriented thinking and curiosity to develop new ideas
• Experience in scientific writing is an advantage
• Experience in polymer analysis specifically size exclusion chromatography is an advantage

Apply now

Application deadline: 18.05.2026

More information about jobs at the UFZ:
www.ufz.de/career

LinkedIn @UFZ

Family Support

International Office

Accessibility

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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