PhD Position (f/m/d)

In the Institute of Physics at the Group of Fundamentals of Energy Materials at the Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany) is a vacancy for a PhD Position (f/m/d) to promote their own scientific qualification within the meaning of Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz) as soon as possible.

As part of the Carl Zeiss Foundation, in the project “Substitution and recycling strategies for critical elements in highly efficient optoelectronic energy materials (SustEnMat)” researchers from the natural sciences, engineering, and economics work closely together.

This interdisciplinary approach is not only advantageous but essential for addressing the complex challenges of sustainability. It enables us to develop holistic solutions that align technological innovation with ecological responsibility. Through intensive materials science research, we are developing groundbreaking, resource-efficient material combinations.

The project follows innovative, integrated, and interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of surface science, photoelectrochemistry, and semiconductor physics, involving economic aspects, with a focus on understanding and engineering semiconductor/oxide/catalyst interfaces.

The advertised position is part of the BMFTR-funded Junior Research Group SINATRA: PARASOL.

Your tasks

• Epitaxy of III–V semiconductor structures using MOCVD
• Deposition of metal oxide layers (e.g., TiO₂, (Al)Ga₂O₃) via ALD
• Materials characterization of the fabricated structures
• Surface and interface analysis (XPS, UPS), and in situ/operando spectroscopy
• Photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic measurements
• Academic support in teaching activities, e.g., supervision of thesis projects related to the research topic
• Data evaluation, documentation, and presentation of scientific results (e.g., for reports, seminars)
• Publication and presentation of results at national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

Your profile

Required Qualifications for Participation in the Selection Process:

• Completed scientific university degree (Master/ Dipl. (Univ.)) with above-average academic performance, in a natural sciences, materials science, or engineering discipline (e.g., chemistry, physics, renewable energy technologies, materials science)

In Addition, the Following Qualifications Are Desirable:

• Solid knowledge of semiconductor physics, inorganic and organic chemistry, or surface analysis
• Basic knowledge of semiconductor fabrication, particularly in metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD)
• Independent, structured, and goal-oriented working style, along with the ability to conduct scientific research with the aim of completing a PhD
• Willingness to travel occasionally for national and international collaborations
• Very good written and spoken English skills (Level B2)

Please submit official certificates and transcripts to verify the qualifications listed in this job advertisement.

The position is not divisible.

What we offer you:

• A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment
• Access to advanced cleanroom infrastructure, state-of-the-art advance technical tools, in situ / operando spectroscopy tools
• Close collaboration with leading research groups
• Opportunities for national and international travel, participation in conferences, and collaborations with top-tier international partners
• A supportive supervision environment including guidance from both PhD and PostDoc-level researchers
• Attractive compensation according to the collective agreement for the public sector (TV-L), including an annual special payment
• 30 days of annual leave plus additional paid holidays on December 24 and 31
• Flexible working hours
• VBL pension plan as part of public sector retirement benefits

At TU Ilmenau, you can expect a supportive and respectful working environment at a renowned research university, with a wide range of personal development and training opportunities. In addition to a family-friendly and flexible working time model, you will benefit from various campus advantages, including access to the student union dining facilities and a broad range of sports and recreational programs offered by the university sports center.

volume: Part time 75%
restriction: 31.10.2031
salary: EG 13 TV-L
beginning: as soon as possible/ date

The university stands in the fields of technology, mathematics and natural sciences, business and media for teaching and research at the highest level. It attaches particular importance to innovativ teaching and interdisciplinary. It identifies with Humboldt's ideals and pursues the vision of a cosmopolitan campus family.

Technische Universität llmenau is holder of the „TOTAL E-Quality“ distinction and emphasizes gendered quality.

Severely disabled applicants with essentially identical professional suitability will be preferentially selected.

ID Number: 60/2025
application deadline: 31.08.2025

For further information, please contact Dr. Agnieszka Paszuk, Tel. 036 7769 2567.

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