Scientific Coordinator for Chemistry Research (m/f/d)

The Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) , a newly founded national research hub in Germany, is supported by €1.25 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.

We are seeking a Scientific Coordinator (m/f/d) to connect and strengthen the chemistry research at the CTC. You will work with independent research group leaders across all chemistry areas including polymers, inorganic, catalysis, organic synthesis, and materials science, coordinate with our scientific service units, and report to the Head of the Talent Factory. Your aim is to align research groups across the organization around a shared agenda for sustainable chemistry, the circular economy, and collaboration with industry.

This is a role for an accomplished chemist with a talent for coordination who can advise the members of the Talent Factory, build trust with independent researchers, and represent the CTC’s chemistry research to industry and funders.

Scientific Coordinator for Chemistry Research (m/f/d)

The position is limited for two years, with an option for an extension.

Key responsibilities

Research Coordination & Strategy

• Work with the Science Team and research group leaders to develop and implement strategies for sustainable chemistry across the CTC's research groups, including defining strategic research priorities and calls for new research groups
• Maintain an overview of the research groups’ work, identifying and fostering interdisciplinary synergies, gaps, and opportunities for collaboration (internally and externally)
• Coordinate with scientific service units (e. g., core facilities, labs) to align their offerings with the research groups' needs
• Communicate and align plans and priorities with the Scientific Director and Science Team, advising on strategic direction, opportunities, and risks
• Monitor emerging trends across chemistry, prioritizing those with strong market or commercial potential
• Work with Technology Transfer to translate industry needs into concrete research and collaboration opportunities
• Set milestones, track progress, and report outcomes to management

Partnerships & Visibility

• Build and maintain collaborations with industry, funding bodies, and academic institutions
• Support group leaders in identifying funding opportunities, developing collaborative proposals, and preparing funder reports
• Represent the CTC’s chemistry research at conferences and partner meetings, and organize workshops

Qualifications and experience

• PhD in chemistry or closely related field
• At least three (3) years of experience in chemistry research (e. g., synthesis, catalysis, or materials science)
• A demonstrated track record of publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers
• Experience coordinating research programs or consortia, ideally with independent research group leaders
• Experience with writing proposals for third party funding (e. g., DFG, BMFTR, Horizon Europe) is an asset
• Experience with industry/industrial R&D collaboration, including IP, technology transfer, and commercialization is an asset
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence others without direct authority over research group leaders
• Ability to translate diverse research group priorities into a unified strategic roadmap
• Fluent English, written and spoken, is essential
• Commitment to sustainability and circular economy approaches in chemistry

What We Offer

• 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
• 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 supervisory 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
• Up to E14 TVöD (Bund) depending on the candidate’s qualifications
• Public-sector employment conditions and social benefits, including 30 days of vacation (based on a five-day workweek), annual special payments, and additional pension benefits (VBL)
• Subsidy for a public transport job ticket

The CTC strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in our workforce and therefore encourage qualified individuals with disabilities to apply. Furthermore, the CTC seeks to increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Does this opportunity interest you?

If so, our HR team looks forward to receiving your detailed application, including a cover letter, through our online application portal by November 15 .

Learn more about the CTC and our mission at:

https://transforming-chemistry.org /

Join us in shaping the future of chemistry and making a lasting impact!