MSCA doctoral position: Three-year research position at the University of Hamburg within the TRILOGY Doctoral Network.
Research: First-principles modelling of ultrafast charge and spin dynamics in chiral molecules.
Eligibility: Relevant Master's degree plus a strong background in electronic-structure theory; Python skills are advantageous.
International training: The project includes two funded three-month research stays at TRILOGY partner institutions.
Current deadline:23 October 2026 according to the latest retrievable vacancy copies.
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The University of Hamburg is recruiting a doctoral researcher for the Horizon Europe TRILOGY Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network to study ultrafast charge and spin dynamics in chiral molecules.
The project is based in the research group of Prof. Dr. Carmen Herrmann in the Department of Chemistry and combines theoretical chemistry, electronic-structure calculations and ultrafast molecular science.
The position is designed as a three-year MSCA-funded research-associate / PhD opportunity. Current listings give an application deadline of 23 October 2026.
PhD Position at a Glance
Information
Details
Project
First-principles description of ultrafast charge and spin dynamics in chiral molecules
Network
TRILOGY MSCA Doctoral Network
Institution
University of Hamburg
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TRILOGY is funded through Horizon Europe under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks programme and brings together 11 institutions to train 16 doctoral candidates in ultrafast chirality.
What is the TRILOGY PhD in Hamburg about?
The PhD investigates how electronic charge and spin change on extremely short timescales inside chiral molecules.
Chiral molecules exist in forms that are mirror images of one another. Understanding how electrons and spins move inside these systems is important for fields ranging from molecular spectroscopy to spintronics and potentially biological and technological applications.
The Hamburg project focuses on developing and validating first-principles computational methods that can describe these ultrafast processes.
The wider TRILOGY network aims to use attosecond and ultrafast electron dynamics to develop more sensitive ways of studying chirality than conventional chiro-optical techniques.
What will you research during the PhD?
The doctoral researcher will work on three main research goals.
1. Model ultrafast photoelectron dichroism
You will test electronic-structure methods for describing femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron circular dichroism, particularly real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT).
2. Study the effect of nuclear motion
The project will develop methods to understand how movement of atomic nuclei affects ultrafast photoelectron dichroism signals.
3. Connect molecular structure with charge and spin dynamics
You will investigate how changes in molecular structure influence charge and spin behaviour and identify promising molecules for future experimental studies.
The work will involve collaboration with theoretical and experimental researchers in Hamburg and across the international TRILOGY network.
Does this PhD include international research stays?
Yes. The position includes two funded research stays of three months each at partner institutions within the TRILOGY network.
These secondments are part of the MSCA Doctoral Network training model and give doctoral researchers experience across different laboratories, institutions and research approaches.
How is the TRILOGY PhD funded?
The University of Hamburg states that remuneration follows the standard MSCA regulations for doctoral researchers.
A retrievable University of Hamburg vacancy copy for this same project states a gross monthly salary of €4,720, with a possible €660 monthly family allowance where the relevant conditions are met. The final net amount depends on taxes, social-security deductions and applicable MSCA rules.
Because the current October recruitment round is not directly retrievable from the University's own job portal, applicants should verify the final salary in the live application before relying on these figures.
Additional University benefits listed for the position include continuing education, pension benefits, flexible working arrangements, health-management programmes and annual leave.
Who can apply?
Applicants should have a Master's degree or equivalent in an appropriate field such as:
- chemistry - physics - nanoscience - materials science - a closely related subject.
Candidates should also have:
- a strong interest in chirality and theoretical chemistry - knowledge of electronic-structure theory - interest in ultrafast phenomena - ability to conduct independent research - strong communication skills - solid written and spoken English.
Experience with Python and practical electronic-structure calculations is considered advantageous.
Can international applicants apply?
The University of Hamburg welcomes applications irrespective of nationality or background. The project is also part of an international MSCA Doctoral Network.
However, MSCA Doctoral Networks normally apply a mobility rule, so applicants should confirm their mobility eligibility in the current TRILOGY call before applying.
Can I apply if I already live in Germany?
Potentially. For MSCA Doctoral Network positions, candidates are generally subject to a mobility condition linked to how long they have lived or carried out their main activity in the host country before recruitment.
Because the currently retrievable Hamburg listing does not reproduce the mobility clause, applicants should verify the exact rule in the live application or TRILOGY recruitment documentation rather than assuming eligibility.
Does studying in Germany affect MSCA mobility eligibility?
It normally can because MSCA mobility assessments consider residence and main activities such as work or study.
For this specific vacancy, however, the exact current mobility wording should be checked in the official recruitment documentation before applying.
Do I need German for this PhD?
The vacancy lists solid written and spoken English as a requirement.
German is not listed as a mandatory qualification in the retrievable position description.
What documents do I need?
The available vacancy copy lists the following application documents:
- motivation letter referring to the specific doctoral-candidate vacancy - CV covering education, employment, publications and research experience - contact details for two referees - certified Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates - academic transcripts for Bachelor’s and Master’s studies.
Applicants who have not yet received their Master's certificate may provide their Bachelor's certificate together with confirmation of when the Master's degree is expected to be completed.
Your motivation letter should explain why you want this specific research project, why your background matches the required skills and how the PhD fits your future career.
How to apply for the TRILOGY PhD at University of Hamburg
Step 1 — Check your academic fit
Make sure you have a relevant Master's-level qualification and a strong foundation in electronic-structure theory.
Step 2 — Review the research topic
Applicants should understand the project's focus on theoretical descriptions of ultrafast charge and spin dynamics in chiral molecules.
Step 3 — Prepare your documents
Prepare your motivation letter, CV, academic certificates and transcripts, and two referee contacts.
Step 4 — Apply online
The University of Hamburg vacancy states that applications must be submitted using the University's online application system rather than by email.
Application Deadline
The latest retrievable vacancy copies list 23 October 2026 as the application deadline.
Because an older indexed University of Hamburg copy of this project contains an earlier deadline, candidates should verify the deadline in the live University application before submitting.
Important things to know before applying
This is a theoretical/computational PhD. It is different from the separate TRILOGY Hamburg project focused on experimental ultrafast chirality in the group of Prof. Francesca Calegari.
Electronic-structure theory is important. The vacancy specifically asks for a solid background in this area.
Python is useful but described as preferable rather than an absolute requirement.
The project includes two funded international secondments.
The exact current salary should be reconfirmed. An earlier University vacancy copy gives €4,720 gross/month plus a possible €660 family allowance, but the current October posting should be treated as the final authority.
