Job Description

At the University of Bern, Switzerland, in the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences this PhD position will be available at the earliest from


January 1st, 2026, for a duration of 4 years. The position will be embedded within 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.
Your tasks


The position is a research position with some contributions towards teaching in the department. The tasks will involve crystal synthesis in the laboratory, high-resolution single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments with in-house equipment and at synchrotrons, experimental electron-density determinations, quantum-crystallographic and quantum-chemical calculations as well as chemical bonding analysis. The compounds to be analyzed range from fundamental inorganic salts to hypercoordinated carbon chemistry.
Your profile


Applicants must have a University Master's degree or equivalent in the natural sciences, preferably in chemistry or physics. Experience with X-ray structure determination and quantum chemistry will be beneficial. Candidates are expected to be fluent in English and have good oral and written communication skills, as well as proficiency in handling computer software, ideally using Linux systems.
We offer


The University of Bern is the third largest university in Switzerland and is ranked 104th in The World University Rankings 2025. The position offers a world-class scientific environment with an outstanding infrastructure and an interdisciplinary surrounding.
Your application


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 below address.
Deadline for application is November 10th, 2025.

PD Dr. Simon Grabowsky

University of Bern, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Freiestrasse 3

3012 Bern

Switzerland

E-Mail: simon.grabowsky@unibe.ch



www.karriere.unibe.ch
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