PhD Position (f/m/d) in Growth and Electronic and Structural Characterization of Piezoelectric Ternary Metal Nitrides

In the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in the Group Technical Physics I at the Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany) is a vacancy for a PhD Position (f/m/d) to promote their own academic qualifications within the meaning of Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz) from 01.01.2026.

TU Ilmenau offers three PhD positions within the DFG Priority Program SPP 2477 “Nitrides4Future – Novel Materials and Device Concepts”. The announced position is within the joint sub-project “Exploring the upper limits of piezoelectric polarization in ternary metal nitrides” with Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg. The research topics focus on the MBE growth of [(Sc,Y,La),(Al,Ga,In)]N and experimental investigation with respect to structural, elastic, and electronic properties as well as their long-term stability.

Your tasks

• MBE growth of ternary metal nitrides
• Electronic structure and oxidation behaviour by XPS, UPS, MIES, TPD, and ISS
• Structural and elastic properties by (XRD, AFM, PFM, SEM)
• Data evaluation
• Support in teaching (Bachelor and Master thesis, lab courses, seminars)
• Documentation, publication, and presentation of results at national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

Your profile

For being part of the selection process is needed: University degree (Master/ Dipl. (Univ.)) in a natural science, materials science, or engineering discipline; good written and spoken English skills. Following competences are desirable: Solid knowledge of solid-state (semiconductor) physics; Good knowledge in surface science; Experience in epitaxy and surface science methods; Basic knowledge in German; Independent, structured, and goal-oriented working style. Please provide evidence of the qualifications required for the job by certificates and references. Please indicate when you would be optionally interested in one of the other two open positions within the SPP 2477 framework at TU Ilmenau. The position is not divisible. The job interviews will be placed in calendar week 46/2025.

What we offer you:

• attractive remuneration according to collective agreement (as per TV-L) incl. granting of a special annual payment
• vacation entitlement of 30 days in the calendar year and additional days off on 24 / 31 December
• family-friendly, flexible working time model
• VBL - pension scheme in the public sector
• wide range of individual training opportunities
• extensive health and sports programs
• respectful working environment at a renowned university

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 innovative teaching and interdisciplinary. It identifies with Humboldt's ideals and pursues the vision of a cosmopolitan campus family. Technische Universität Ilmenau 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: 71/2025; application deadline: 19.10.2025. For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Krischok, Phone +49 3677 69 3700.