Department of Chemistry

PhD Position in Synthetic Organic Materials 80 %

Start of employment September 2026

Do you enjoy making molecules and are you up for a synthetic challenge? Do you appreciate structural beauty and like to mingle art with science? Then apply and join us! Together, we will explore the properties and reactivity of nanographene π-radicals.

We are a diverse, international and friendly team exploring the magical world of graphene-based materials and learning how to tailor their properties and function through molecular design. Our projects are the interface of organic synthesis, materials science and supramolecular chemistry.

Your responsibilities

In this fully funded, full-time project, you will design, synthesize and characterize open-shell molecular fragments of graphene, and investigate their properties and π-radical reactivity in order to develop new graphene-based materials.

Your profile

We are looking for a creative and ambitious candidate who has a strong passion for chemistry and research, is experienced in synthetic organic chemistry, a team player, helps and motivates others, has a humble and friendly personality and a sense of humor, and critically evaluates obtained scientific results.

You have:
  • completed (or soon to be completed) degree in chemistry (MSc or equivalent)
  • outstanding track record (excellent grades, graduation with honors, summa cum laude, or equivalent, academic awards at the university level)
  • experience in a synthetic organic laboratory, including microscale work, work under air-free and moisture-free conditions, and experience with spectroscopic techniques (NMR, UV/Vis, etc.)
  • experience in designing and planning complex synthetic sequences
  • excellent English language skills (written and oral)
  • experience with studying abroad (e.g. Erasmus, etc.) is welcome

We offer:
  • work in an inspiring and caring environment
  • state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure
  • opportunity to attend conferences, coaching, networking
  • diverse international team and room to grow

Information on your application

We look forward to receiving your application as a single PDF file, including the following documents: application form (download, fill and attach at the beginning of your combined PDF document), a cover letter outlining your motivation for this position, a summary of your past research achievements, your CV, transcript of records, and the names and contact details of two referees (please do not include reference letters).

Incomplete applications or those not submitted as a single PDF via the "Apply now" link below will not be considered. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, and a final decision may be made before the application deadline.

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


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Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

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Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

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Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

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Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

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Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


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International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Michal Juríček Assistant Professor
Contact Form

Contact question to: Prof. Dr. Michal Juríček

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Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
UZH