The University of Göttingen advertised two PhD positions in Professor Ricardo Mata’s Theoretical Chemistry group for projects on nuclear quantum effects and enzymatic catalysis. The application deadline was 7 July 2026 at 20:00 CET, so this recruitment cycle is closed.
Two PhD Positions in Theoretical Chemistry
The Faculty of Chemistry sought two doctoral researchers in Professor Ricardo Mata’s group. The positions combined doctoral research with employment under the German public-sector TV-L system.
| Institution | Georg-August-Universität Göttingen |
|---|---|
| Research group | Professor Ricardo Mata — Theoretical Chemistry |
| Number of positions | 2 |
| Planned start | 1 October 2026 or by mutual agreement |
| Contract period | 3 years |
| Employment level | 50% E13 TV-L |
Research Projects
Project 1: Nuclear Quantum Effects
This project focused on simulation of nuclear quantum effects in chemical and biochemical systems using advanced theoretical and computational methods.
Project 2: Enzymatic Catalysis
The second project focused on theoretical studies of enzymatic catalysis and computational analysis of chemical reactivity in complex molecular environments.
The Mata group develops quantum-chemical approaches using electronic-structure methods, hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics techniques and machine-learning methods, with collaborations across chemistry and biology.
Eligibility and Preferred Background
The call targeted candidates with a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics or a closely related discipline, or candidates close to completing the relevant degree before appointment. Strong English communication and interest in theoretical chemistry and molecular simulation were important.
Programming experience, including Python or Julia, and familiarity with quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics or related computational methods could strengthen an application.
Employment Conditions
| Pay grade | E13 TV-L at 50% |
|---|---|
| Working time | Approximately 19.9 hours per week |
| Duration | 3-year fixed-term employment |
| Doctoral framework | Structured doctoral research with the University of Göttingen / GAUSS environment |
| Additional duties | Research and academic duties, including teaching or examination support where required |
2026 Application Requirements
The official advertisement asked applicants to combine the required materials into one PDF and submit them electronically.
- curriculum vitae;
- motivation letter; and
- names and contact details of two academic references.
| Submission method | Single PDF by email to the address stated in the official advertisement |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 7 July 2026, 20:00 CET |
| Current status | Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Göttingen Chemistry PhD positions still open?
No. The official deadline was 7 July 2026 at 20:00 CET.
How many positions were advertised?
Two PhD positions in Professor Ricardo Mata’s Theoretical Chemistry group.
What were the research themes?
Simulation of nuclear quantum effects and theoretical studies of enzymatic catalysis.
What employment terms were offered?
The positions were three-year appointments at 50% E13 TV-L.
What documents were required?
A CV, motivation letter, and the names and contact details of two references, combined into a single PDF.
Official Source
| Status | Closed |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 7 July 2026, 20:00 CET |
| Positions | 2 |
| Last verified | 4 October 2026 |
