PhD Position in High-Pressure Crystallography / Physical Chemistry of Barocaloric Materials
Start Date
01.09.2026
or by arrangement
or by arrangement
Employment Relationship
100%, fixed-term
Institution / Workplace
At the University of Bern, Switzerland, in the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences a PhD position will be available at the earliest from September 1st, 2026, for a duration of 4 years.
Bern
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For yourself and for society.
Your tasks:
The position will be embedded within the newly founded high-pressure chemistry group headed by Dr. Tomasz Poreba and the chemical crystallography group headed by PD Dr. Simon Grabowsky. It is announced as a full-time position with a salary according to the recommendations of the Swiss National Science Foundation for doctoral students. The position is a research position with some contributions towards teaching in the department. The tasks will involve material synthesis in the laboratory, high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry, high-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments with in-house equipment and synchrotrons. The compounds to be synthesized and analyzed consist of both organic and inorganic materials with potentially colossal barocaloric response.Your profile:
Applicants must have a University Master's degree or equivalent in the natural sciences, preferably in chemistry or physics. Experience with high-pressure technology, (high-pressure) differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray structure determination will be beneficial. Candidates are expected to be fluent in English and have good oral and written communication skills, technical skills in working under the microscope, as well as proficiency in handling computer software.We offer:
The University of Bern is the third largest university in Switzerland and is ranked 104th in The World Uni-versity Rankings 2025. The position offers a world-class scientific environment with an outstanding infrastructure and an interdisciplinary surrounding.
Your Benefits
- International reputation
- Strong research infrastructure and international network
- Collaborative environment and ambitious team
- Individual career support
Working at the University of Bern
The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.
Application and Contact
The application should comprise a cover letter with a statement describing the applicant's research and technical background as they relate to the position, a copy of the Master of Science certificate (or equivalent), a curriculum vitae including a list of publications and the names of two referees. Documents can be sent by mail or e-mail (in a single pdf document) to the address below.