PhD Position in Environmental Polymer Research at UFZ Germany (2026) - Fully funded

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD Researcher (f/m/x) – PolyQuat2 position in Germany.

This opportunity is ideal for students with backgrounds in:

• Chemistry,
• Environmental Science,
• Analytical Chemistry,
• Environmental Toxicology,
• and Polymer Research.

The project focuses on investigating the environmental fate and potential effects of water-soluble polymers, particularly polyquaternium polymers, which are suspected to be persistent and toxic pollutants in aquatic environments.

The PhD position is offered for 36 months under the prestigious German public research system.

About UFZ Germany

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) is one of Europe’s leading environmental research institutes and a member of the Helmholtz Association — Germany’s largest scientific organization. UFZ has approximately 1,200 employees across Leipzig, Halle, and Magdeburg.

The institute conducts interdisciplinary research focused on:

• climate change,
• biodiversity loss,
• environmental pollution,
• and sustainability transformation.

Position Details

Feature	Details
Position	PhD Researcher (f/m/x) – PolyQuat2
Institution	UFZ Germany
Location	Leipzig, Germany
Duration	36 Months
Working Time	65%
Funding	Fully Funded
Salary	TVöD E13 Public Sector Salary
Application Deadline	17 May 2026

Research Focus

The PhD project investigates the environmental behavior of water-soluble polymers, especially polyquaternium compounds. These substances are widely used but their persistence, toxicity, and environmental impacts remain poorly understood.

The project combines analytical chemistry, environmental toxicology, polymer science, and environmental fate analysis.

Research Responsibilities

The selected PhD researcher will work on:

1. Analytical Method Development : Developing methods for detecting water-soluble polymers in environmental samples.

2. Toxicity Support : Providing analytical support for toxicity testing experiments.

3. Biotransformation Experiments : Studying how polymers transform in environmental systems.

4. Polymer–Organic Matter Interactions : Investigating interactions between polyquaternium polymers and dissolved organic matter.

5. Scientific Communication : Preparing:

• scientific publications,
• reports,
• conference presentations,
• and collaborative project outputs.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree in: Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or a related field
• Experience in analytical chemistry
• Strong knowledge of: HPLC-HRMS
• Good English communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Preferred Skills

Additional advantages include:

• Scientific writing experience
• Polymer analysis expertise
• Size exclusion chromatography experience
• Interdisciplinary research experience

Why This PhD Is Valuable

This is not a routine laboratory PhD. The project addresses a growing global environmental issue: emerging polymer pollution.

Researchers trained in environmental contaminants, advanced analytical chemistry, and polymer fate analysis are increasingly valuable in:

• academia,
• environmental consulting,
• regulatory agencies,
• and industrial sustainability sectors.

HIGRADE Graduate School Benefits

The selected student will join the UFZ HIGRADE Graduate Programme, which offers:

• structured doctoral training,
• interdisciplinary workshops,
• networking opportunities,
• international conferences,
• and professional development support.

Salary and Benefits

• The position includes:
• TVöD public-sector salary (up to E13 scale)
• German social security benefits
• Annual special payment
• Subsidized Deutschland Job Ticket
• Family support services
• International researcher support

Germany’s funded PhD system is highly attractive because doctoral researchers are treated as employees rather than unpaid students.

Research Environment

UFZ offers:

• advanced research infrastructure,
• international collaborations,
• strong environmental science networks,
• and interdisciplinary research culture.

Leipzig is also known for:

• affordable living costs,
• vibrant student culture,
• and high quality of life.

Diversity and Inclusion

UFZ strongly promotes diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusive scientific environments.

Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Applications should include:

1. Cover letter
2. CV
3. Relevant supporting documents

Important:

Applications should NOT include:

• photo,
• age,
• or marital status information.

Applications must be submitted through the official online portal.

Contact Information

For research-related questions:

Dr. Daniel Zahn 

📧 daniel.zahn@ufz.de

Official Application Link

Apply here: PhD Researcher (f/m/x) PolyQuat2 - Application 

Candidates with strong laboratory and analytical chemistry skills will be highly competitive.

Since positions at UFZ are internationally competitive, applicants should prepare focused and technically strong applications rather than generic academic CV submissions.