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.

The goal of the BMFTR-funded Junior Research Group 'Passivation Protection Layers for High-Efficiency Multi-Absorber Devices for Photoelectrochemical Solar Fuel Production (acronym ‘PARASOL’)' is to integrate stable and efficient metal oxide passivation protection layers with appropriate energetic alignment with multiabsorber photoelectrochemical cells (based on III-V and Si photoabsorbers) for solar fuel conversion.

The project follows innovative, integrated, and interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of surface science, photoelectrochemistry, and semiconductor physics, with a focus on understanding and engineering III-V photoabsorber/metal oxide/catalyst interfaces. The work combines materials development with advanced characterization methods.

The advertised position is part of a Junior Research Group funded by the BMFTR, working in close collaboration with two internationally leading research teams at Technische Universität Ilmenau and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB).

Your tasks

• Epitaxy of III–V semiconductor structures using MOCVD
• Deposition of metal oxide layers (e.g., TiO₂, Ga₂O₃) via ALD
• Materials characterization of the fabricated structures
• Surface and interface analysis (XPS, UPS), synchrotron-based techniques, and in situ/operando spectroscopy
• Photoelectrochemical measurements to evaluate stability, efficiency, and selectivity
• 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, 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

Please provide evidence of the qualifications required for the job by certificates and references. 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: until 31.10.2031
salary: EG 13 TV-L
beginning: as soon as possible

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: 61/2025
application deadline: 31.08.2025

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