Are you fascinated by the quantum nature of light and excited-state processes?
Prof. Dirk M. Guldi at the Department of Chemistry & Pharmacy, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, is seeking an outstanding PhD candidate to investigate novel molecular strategies for controlling the conversion of light energy.
Research Project:
This project focuses on the design and investigation of innovative diradicaloid systems capable of efficiently converting low-energy photons into high-energy light (up-conversion) and high-energy photons into lower-energy emission (down-conversion).
The research combines molecular design, ultrafast spectroscopy and excited-state dynamics to establish new concepts for advanced photonic materials with applications in photovoltaics, photocatalysis and optoelectronics.
Your Profile:
Applicants should possess
- an excellent Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry or related disciplines,
- strong interest in molecular photophysics and excited-state dynamics,
- strong interest in molecular photophysics and excited-state dynamics,
- curiosity, creativity and independent scientific thinking,
- excellent written and spoken English.
Knowledge of spectroscopy, photochemistry or quantum chemistry is desirable.
We Offer:
- Research at the forefront of molecular photochemistry
- State-of-the-art femtosecond spectroscopy facilities
- International collaborations with leading research institutions
- Excellent supervision within a highly productive research group
- Outstanding opportunities for scientific publications and conference presentations
Starting Date: As soon as possible.
About the Guldi Group
The Guldi Group is internationally recognized for pioneering research in molecular photon and charge management, solar energy conversion, photocatalysis and advanced molecular materials. Our research combines molecular design with state-of-the-art spectroscopy to develop next-generation concepts for sustainable energy technologies. The group offers an outstanding international research environment with access to world-leading instrumentation and extensive global collaborations.
Application
Applications should include:
- Cover letter outlining research interests and motivation
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts
- Contact details of two academic referees
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
Location: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Chair of Physical Chemistry I, Erlangen, Germany.
Help shape the future of sustainable chemical energy conversion.
Prof. Dirk M. Guldi at the Department of Chemistry & Pharmacy, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, is recruiting a highly motivated PhD student to investigate the fundamental mechanisms governing molecular photocatalysis.
Research Project:
Understanding reaction mechanisms is the key to designing more efficient photocatalysts. This project combines advanced time-resolved spectroscopy with molecular materials and catalytic systems to uncover elementary reaction pathways and translate mechanistic insight into rational catalyst design.
The research contributes to sustainable solar fuel production, artificial photosynthesis and next-generation photocatalytic technologies.
Your Profile:
We seek candidates with
- an outstanding Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry or a related field,
- enthusiasm for spectroscopy, catalysis and energy research,
- strong analytical skills and scientific curiosity,
- excellent English communication skills.
Previous experience in photocatalysis, electrochemistry or transient spectroscopy is beneficial.
We Offer:
- An exciting interdisciplinary PhD project addressing global energy challenges
- Access to cutting-edge spectroscopic instrumentation
- Collaboration with internationally recognized scientists
- Comprehensive scientific training and career development
- A dynamic and diverse international research environment
Starting Date: As soon as possible.
About the Guldi Group
The Guldi Group is internationally recognized for pioneering research in molecular photon and charge management, solar energy conversion, photocatalysis and advanced molecular materials. Our research combines molecular design with state-of-the-art spectroscopy to develop next-generation concepts for sustainable energy technologies. The group offers an outstanding international research environment with access to world-leading instrumentation and extensive global collaborations.
Application
Applications should include:
- Cover letter outlining research interests and motivation
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts
- Contact details of two academic referees
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
Location: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Chair of Physical Chemistry I, Erlangen, Germany.
Can molecules harvest sunlight and store electrical energy simultaneously?
Prof. Dirk M. Guldi at the Department of Chemistry & Pharmacy, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, invites applications for an exciting PhD project at the interface of photochemistry, molecular electronics and sustainable energy storage.
Research Project:
The goal of this project is to develop molecular photobatteries that combine highly efficient solar absorbers with long-lived charge-storage units capable of storing solar energy and releasing it on demand as electrical power.
The research integrates molecular design, ultrafast spectroscopy, electrochemistry and charge-transfer engineering to create entirely new concepts for integrated solar energy storage.
Your Profile:
Applicants should have
- an excellent Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry or Materials Science,
- strong motivation for interdisciplinary research,
- interest in molecular electronics, spectroscopy and energy storage,
- excellent English language skills.
Experience in photochemistry, electrochemistry or molecular materials is advantageous.
We Offer:
- A pioneering research project at the forefront of molecular energy storage
- Excellent laboratory infrastructure and advanced spectroscopic facilities
- Opportunities to collaborate with internationally leading scientists
- Outstanding scientific mentoring and excellent publication prospects
- An inspiring international research environment at one of Germany’s most innovative universities
Starting Date: As soon as possible.
About the Guldi Group
The Guldi Group is internationally recognized for pioneering research in molecular photon and charge management, solar energy conversion, photocatalysis and advanced molecular materials. Our research combines molecular design with state-of-the-art spectroscopy to develop next-generation concepts for sustainable energy technologies. The group offers an outstanding international research environment with access to world-leading instrumentation and extensive global collaborations.
Application
Applications should include:
- Cover letter outlining research interests and motivation
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts
- Contact details of two academic referees
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
Location: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Chair of Physical Chemistry I, Erlangen, Germany.
Join one of the world’s leading research groups in molecular photochemistry and solar energy conversion!
Prof. Dirk M. Guldi at the Department of Chemistry & Pharmacy, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, invites applications for a PhD position, available as soon as possible.
Research Project:
Molecular nanographenes represent a fascinating class of atomically precise carbon materials with exceptional electronic and optical properties. This project aims to develop next-generation molecular nanographenes capable of harvesting sunlight and directing the absorbed energy into multiple conversion pathways, including charge separation, photocatalysis, and molecular energy storage.
The successful candidate will explore the relationship between molecular structure, excited-state dynamics, and energy conversion efficiency using state-of-the-art synthetic and spectroscopic approaches.
Your Profile:
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with
- an excellent Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry or Materials Science,
- a strong interest in photochemistry, spectroscopy and molecular materials,
- enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research,
- excellent communication skills and very good English.
Experience in spectroscopy, electrochemistry, computational chemistry or organic synthesis is advantageous but not required.
We Offer:
- Cutting-edge research in an internationally renowned laboratory
- Access to world-class ultrafast spectroscopic facilities
- Close collaboration with leading international research groups
- Participation in high-impact research projects in molecular energy conversion
- Excellent scientific mentoring and outstanding publication opportunities
- A vibrant international research environment in the heart of Bavaria
Starting date: As soon as possible
About the Guldi Group
The Guldi Group is internationally recognized for pioneering research in molecular photon and charge management, solar energy conversion, photocatalysis and advanced molecular materials. Our research combines molecular design with state-of-the-art spectroscopy to develop next-generation concepts for sustainable energy technologies. The group offers an outstanding international research environment with access to world-leading instrumentation and extensive global collaborations.
Application
Applications should include:
- Cover letter outlining research interests and motivation
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts
- Contact details of two academic referees
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
Location: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Chair of Physical Chemistry I, Erlangen, Germany.
The Guldi Group at FAU is seeking motivated and passionate individuals to join our dynamic research team. We are at the forefront of exploring and harnessing solar energy using advanced molecular and nanostructural approaches.
Our work involves cutting-edge research techniques, including:
- Modern Advanced Spectroscopy: Our research leverages stationary and time-resolved spectroscopy (transient absorption, time-resolved fluorescence, 2D spectroscopy) to observe chemical reactions on ultrafast time scales, helping us elucidate complex reaction mechanisms.
- Modern Microscopic Techniques: We utilize atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy to characterize the smallest structures with precision.
Become part of a team that works on current, exciting topics using state-of-the-art methods. We offer opportunities for individuals at all qualification levels:
- Internships
- Bachelor Theses
- Master Theses
- PhD Positions
- Postdoctoral Positions
If you are passionate about solar energy research and want to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in this field, we encourage you to apply. Entry is possible at various qualification levels, and we welcome applications from enthusiastic candidates eager to make an impact.
How to Apply
Please contact dirk.guldi@fau.de for more details on open positions. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our team!


