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Postdoc position (fmd) – Developing Predictive Theoretical Framework for 2D materials Design and Synthesis (Full Time)


Job Location:

Berlin - Germany

Monthly Salary: m 4901 - 5709
Posted: 29 September 2026 (6 days ago)
Application Deadline: 27 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop advanced
computational approaches to design and synthesize 2D materials grown by
vapor-phase techniques. This two-year position is part of
the NSFDFG DMREF project AI-Driven Platform for 2D Materials Synthesis and Discovery.
The project integrates computational materials science autonomous experimentation
and AI to develop a predictive framework for 2D-material synthesis. The research
will span the full growth processfrom gas-phase precursor chemistry and
surface reactions to thin-film growth and resulting material properties.
The successful candidate will combine first-principles calculations (DFT) reactive
molecular dynamics (ReaxFF) and machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs)
to develop multiscale high-throughput workflows for reactive growth environments.
The work will be closely integrated with experiments machine learning/data science
and micro- to mesoscale modelling providing opportunities to lead high-impact
interdisciplinary research in predictive materials synthesis.

  • Lead first-principles DFT calculations to investigate 2D materials-related optical
    electronic and structural properties.
  • Develop validate and apply machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) for
    large-scale atomistic simulations of reactive materials-growth processes.
  • Integrate DFT ReaxFF and MLIP simulations into multiscale and high-throughput
    computational workflows.
  • Perform simulations on national and international HPC infrastructures including
    hybrid CPU/GPU architectures and optimize computational workflows for
    large-scale studies.
  • Work closely with experimental machine-learning/data-science and micro- to
    mesoscale modeling teams to connect simulations with experimental observations
    and synthesis conditions.
  • Analyze complex simulation and experimental datasets; experience with
    machine-learning approaches for image processing and analysis is an advantage.
  • Mentor Masters/PhD students in computational techniques model development
    and project planning.
  • Contribute to/lead manuscripts activelyand user/grant proposals and present
    results in group meetings and at conferences.
  • PhD in computational materials science and computational physics.
  • Computational expertise: Strong expertise in first-principles methods
    particularly Density Functional Theory (DFT) and machine-learning interatomic
    potentials (MLIP) or applying machine-learning methods to materials
    problems is a strong advantage.
  • Programming and workflow development: proficiency in scientific programming
    preferably Python with experience developing automated simulation workflows
    high-throughput frameworks or computational pipelines.
  • HPC Expertise: demonstrated experience with high-performance computing
    including parallel computing workload/job scheduling and running or optimizing
    large-scale simulations on CPU and/or GPU architectures.
  • Communication and mentorship: good written and oral communication skills
    with enthusiasm for mentoring students and working in an international
    interdisciplinary research environment.

This position is available immediately and is limited to 2 years.
Salary and benefits are according to the Treaty for German public service (TVöD Bund)
to a level of E13 (100%) taking work experience and special professional skills into account.

  • Supportive environment with experts for various scientific sub-fields.
  • Modern office located in the heart of Berlin with excellent public transport
    connections and a subsidized travel ticket.
  • Access to national and international HPC centers with modern hybrid CPU/GPU
    architectures.
  • International and culturally diverse community.
  • Close collaboration with a nationa/international team integrating experiments
    computational materials science machine learning data science and
    micro- to mesoscale continuum modeling.

The Paul Drude Institute is part of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. and a member
of the Leibniz Association.
We are a globally recognized research institution specializing in the
development of novel functional materials through molecular beam epitaxy.
The institute carries out basic and applied research at the nexus of materials science
condensed matter physics and device engineering.

With approximately 100 employees and more than 15 nationalities PDI is committed
to building a talented inclusive and culturally diverse workforce. We understand that
our shared future is guided by basic principles of fairness and mutual respect.

As anequal opportunity and family-friendly employer we offer highly flexible
employment conditions such as flexible working hours parental leave and
home office and we strive to create a family- and life-conscious working environment.

Among equally qualified applicants preference will be given to candidates from
marginalized groups. That means we welcome every qualified application regardless
of sex and gender origin nationality religion belief health and disabilities age or
sexual orientation.

PDI follow our gender equality plan so we want to engage women* to apply at
PDI to balance the gender ratio in science. Disabled applicants with equal qualification
and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Please upload your application as a single PDF with the title
of the position in the subject line no later than September 30. The document should include:

  • Dedicated cover letter.
  • CV
  • Transcript of Diplomas
  • Contact information
    of references (if existing).
  • Publication list (if existing).

For more information about the project please contact Prof. Nadire Nayir
().


Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority