🌟 Keep Calm, we are building an AI for you. Join our FREE Community 🙂
Funded PhD in Organometallic Catalysis in Germany 2027 – RESOLV
4 min read
Updated
NBy Naman Kumar
Table of Contents
The Max Planck Institute for Coal Research and the RESOLV research group are inviting applications for a funded PhD position in Organometallic Catalysis in Bochum, Germany.
The position offers three years of full-time funding and focuses on developing sustainable metal-based catalysts. International applicants with a Master's degree in chemistry or a related field and relevant research experience are welcome.
Applications close on 23 October 2026, and the earliest possible starting date is 1 January 2027. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
PhD at a Glance
Position
PhD Student in Organometallic Catalysis – RESOLV
Research institution
Max Planck Institute for Coal Research / RESOLV
PhD location
Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
Research fields
Chemistry, catalysis, organometallic and coordination chemistry
Funding
Ready to Start Your German Study Adventure?
Explore our university finder tool to discover the perfect German university for your academic goals and preferences.
Naman Kumar has lived in Germany for over eight years and has spent more than five years helping international students navigate German universities, courses, scholarships, and admissions. Having studied in Germany himself and received scholarship support, he combines first-hand experience with practical guidance. He has supported more than 200 students in finding suitable study and funding opportunities in Germany.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get the latest updates on studying in Germany, visa changes, and scholarship opportunities.
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and consent to receive updates from our company.
The PhD position is part of the Cluster of Excellence RESOLV (Ruhr Explores Solvation) and the Early Career Research Group Catalysis, led by Dr. Hanna Hinrika Cramer.
The group develops catalysts using abundant transition metals and investigates how solvents and catalyst design influence chemical reactions.
Its current research includes developing chromium-based catalysts to improve olefins and activate strong chemical bonds.
The project combines laboratory experiments, spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations to understand reaction mechanisms and develop more sustainable chemical processes.
The doctoral position is based at Ruhr University Bochum, with access to research facilities and collaborations involving the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research in Mülheim an der Ruhr.
What funding and benefits does the PhD provide?
Full-time doctoral research: 39 working hours per week
Additional opportunities:
- Membership in the Integrated Graduate School Solvation Science (iGSS). - A three-month international research stay, industry internship or entrepreneurship training. - Access to advanced research facilities and collaborations with academic research partners. - Opportunities to learn different research techniques according to your project and interests.
The vacancy confirms three years of full-time funding but does not publish the monthly amount, salary grade or exact contractual framework. Applicants can ask the research group for these details before accepting an offer.
Who can apply for this PhD position?
Applicants must have a Master's degree in chemistry or a related discipline.
You should also have basic knowledge and research experience in one or more of the following areas:
Candidates should demonstrate strong motivation, scientific curiosity and an interest in sustainable chemistry.
Excellent written and spoken English communication skills are required.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The official vacancy explicitly welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and does not specify a nationality restriction.
International applicants must meet the academic, research and English language requirements. German language proficiency is not listed as a mandatory requirement.
What will you research during the PhD?
The research combines practical laboratory work with computational chemistry.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Synthesising and characterising organometallic complexes. - Developing and testing their use as catalysts. - Performing quantum-chemical calculations to study electronic structures and reaction mechanisms.
Depending on your research interests, you may also gain experience with different experimental and computational techniques through the group's collaborations.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit the following three documents:
- Motivation letter - Curriculum vitae (CV) - Academic transcript of records
These documents must be included in the application package sent to the research group leader.
How to apply for the RESOLV PhD position
Applications are submitted directly to the research group leader by email.
1. Review the research project: Read the official vacancy and confirm that your academic qualifications and research experience match the position.
2. Prepare your application documents: Write a motivation letter explaining your research interests and relevant experience. Prepare your CV and academic transcript.
3. Submit your application by email: Send your complete application package to Dr. Hanna Hinrika Cramer at hanna.cramer@rub.de before 23 October 2026.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis, so candidates do not need to wait until the deadline to submit their documents.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The exact starting date is flexible.
Important things to know before applying
The position is based at Ruhr University Bochum, although the research group collaborates with the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research.
The position is funded for three years, but the official advertisement does not specify the monthly funding amount or whether funding is provided through an employment contract or another arrangement.
Applicants should clarify the contractual conditions and doctoral enrolment arrangements with the research group before accepting an offer.
