About the opportunity
The Research Training Group (RTG) “Template-Designed Organic Electronics – TIDE”, funded by the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), is a collaborative interdisciplinary effort between the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Physics at the Faculties of Natural Sciences across three German universities: the University of Cologne, the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, and the Bergische University Wuppertal. The program is organized in cohorts, with the third cohort starting in April 2027, focusing on cutting-edge research in Organic Electronics across fields such as organic synthesis, surfaces & interface sciences, device physics & applications, ultrafast spectroscopy, and quantum chemical theory & modelling.
Funding and benefits
- Salary based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the German public sector pay scale (subject to availability of funds and qualifications).
- Collaboration within a cohort of approximately 25 members.
- Advanced interdisciplinary training courses.
- A three-month international research stay abroad.
- Diverse working environment with equal opportunities.
- Support for balancing work and family life.
- Occupational health management offers.
- Flexible working time models.
Who can apply?
- Applicants must have recently obtained or be about to obtain a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Material Sciences, or a similar field with excellent results.
- Prior knowledge of a featured topic in Organic Electronics or related fields is advantageous.
- Candidates must be highly motivated and interested in working in a collaborative and highly interdisciplinary environment on state-of-the-art research topics.
Required documents
- Cover letter.
- Short motivation statement outlining the project of most interest (refer to https://tide.uni-koeln.de/open-positions).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Copies of Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates.
- List of publications, talks, and poster contributions.
When to apply
- Application deadline: 1 September 2026.
- Program for the third cohort starts in April 2027 (earlier start may be possible under certain circumstances).
How to apply
- Apply online via the University of Cologne job portal at https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de.
- Include the reference number Wiss2605-03 in the application.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Recent Master's graduates in Chemistry, Physics, or Material Sciences with excellent academic records.
- Aspiring researchers eager to work in an interdisciplinary environment spanning three major German universities.
- Candidates interested in cutting-edge topics like organic synthesis, device physics, or quantum chemical modeling.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program requires on-site work, necessitating relocation to the Cologne, Bonn, or Wuppertal area.
- Positions are funded on a part-time basis (up to 75%), which is standard for doctoral programs but should be factored into financial planning.
- The collaborative nature of the RTG requires strong teamwork and the ability to engage across different scientific departments.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program is designed for ambitious early-career scientists who want to build a robust research profile within a structured, high-impact cohort. The inclusion of an international research stay and interdisciplinary training makes this an excellent stepping stone for a career in academia or advanced industrial research.
Our take
Highly recommended for motivated Master's graduates looking for a structured, fully-funded path to a PhD in organic electronics. Candidates seeking independent, solitary research may find the cohort-based, interdisciplinary structure less aligned with their preferences.
Ready to apply?
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