The Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC), a newly founded national research hub in Germany, is supported by EUR1.25 billion in funding (until 2038) and is dedicated to redefining the role of chemistry in tackling global challenges. It brings together researchers from across disciplines such as chemistry, physics, engineering, data science, and social sciences to develop sustainable materials, processes, and technologies that support a circular economy. The CTC is structured around collaborative, mission-driven research groups and state-of-the-art facilities, fostering open science, innovation, and industry partnerships. Its core mission is not only to advance cutting-edge chemistry but also to train the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs who will drive the transformation of chemistry for a sustainable society. Researchers benefit from access to advanced research infrastructure and close collaboration with the CTC Science Team , who provide support and coordinate key operational activities to foster efficient and impactful advancement of research programs. The CTC science team currently operates from Leuna and plans to move to a new office site in the Leipzig area, which will provide laboratory and office facilities. Permanent locations in Delitzsch and Merseburg, Germany are planned and will be gradually put into operation starting in 2030, replacing the temporary site.

The Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) invites applications for a research Group Leader in the field of sustainable chemistry, contributing to our overarching mission to transform chemistry toward a circular chemical economy, beginning in Fall 2026.

We particularly welcome research pioneering sustainable synthesis through innovative catalysis, automation, computational, and data-driven approaches, or other methods that promote recycling, renewable feedstocks, and circular chemistry. The researcher will have the unique opportunity to contribute directly to the CTC's "moonshots": a) Development of an autonomous research laboratory and/or b) a fully recyclable car. As such, we welcome bold, high-risk, and unconventional proposals that embrace cutting-edge and emerging technologies. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to entrepreneurial, collaborative, cutting-edge research and the training of early-career scientists, including mentoring PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and fostering interdisciplinary exchange across the CTC.

We are looking for innovative leaders to join our Talent Factory, which is committed to building an inclusive research environment that fosters professional growth while pursuing high-impact scientific advances. Successful candidates will establish dynamic research programs, develop new methodologies, lead interdisciplinary collaborations, and provide hands-on training that prepares the next generation of scientists. The Group Leaders of our Talent Factory, envisioned to expand to 40 groups, will collaborate across disciplines to connect chemistry with societal challenges and advance the CTC's vision of a collaborative research ecosystem uniting natural sciences, engineering, and sustainability. In line with the CTC's innovation strategy, candidates will also have the opportunity to translate discoveries into real-world solutions through industry partnerships, technology transfer, and the creation of spin-offs and start-ups that expand the reach of transformative chemistry beyond academia.

Your group will have full funding of your own position, and up to 3 PhD students (or 2.3 full-time equivalent positions) depending on your project. The operating budget received depends on the type of research pursued. Acquisition of additional funding by applying for external grants is highly encouraged and considered an important part of the role.

Qualified candidates must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. Post-doctoral experience preferred. 

Applicants must submit:

• Cover letter (1 page)
• Curriculum vitae (including full publication list)
• Statement of research plans (6 pages total)
  • Executive summary of current and future research (1 page)
  • Research statement (5 pages)
    • State research objectives and plan, significance (comparison to state-of-the-art), and innovation (what is the impact on the field and how it contributes to the CTC's objectives). Describe how your proposed research will contribute to the "moonshot" initiative and outline a  plan detailing roles, modules, and work areas for Ph.D. students.
• Statement of past contributions to the field of chemistry and potential future impact on CTC on the topics of mentoring, collaboration, and other broader outreach (1 page).
• Three contacts for reference letters. If shortlisted, your referees will be contacted by email and requested to upload their letter.

Incomplete applications, or those that do not meet the stated requirements and criteria, will not be processed. The application period will end on February 15th, 2026.

• Successful applicants will be offered an initial fixed-term contract of four years (subject to the availability of funding), which includes a six-month probation period. The position is offered as a fixed-term contract in accordance with § 2 (1) of the German Act on Temporary Scientific Contracts (WissZeitVG), for the purpose of academic qualification. A further extension of the contract, for up to a maximum total duration of seven years, may be granted following a favorable review after three years of research activity (if the possible maximum fixed-term period has not been exceeded).
• The opportunity to support groundbreaking research and contribute to the CTC's growth on its path toward becoming one of the largest research centers for chemistry in Europe.
• Salary: Up to E 14 TVöD (Bund) depending on the candidate's qualifications.
• The chance to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and international environment embedded in a highly motivated team.
• A high degree of personal responsibility and the freedom to pursue independent research ideas.
• Opportunities for personnel responsibility and leadership development.
• Individual support services fostering professional and personal growth.
• Access to strong scientific and economic networks at regional, national, and international levels.
• Conditions and social benefits of public service, including 30 days of vacation (based on a 5-day work week), annual special payments, and additional pension benefits (VBL).
• Subsidy for a public transport job ticket.

To download the call's infosheet go to:
https://transforming-chemistry.org/en/career/

Learn more about our five thematic areas:
https://transforming-chemistry.org/en/research/thematic-areas/

Read about our moonshots:
https://transforming-chemistry.org/en/research/research-mission/