Scientist (mfd) Thermal laser epitaxy of diamond thin films

Berlin - Germany

Yearly Salary: EUR 1 - 1

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

Thermal laser epitaxy (TLE) is an innovative technique with the potential to revolutionize the growth of thin crystalline films. With the goal to make this method accessible to a wide range of users and thus realize its advantages for commercial use PDI has acquired funding to set up the Application lab thermal laser epitaxy (ATLAS). One relevant application perspective is the growth of diamond. This is a semiconductor with ultra-wide band gap whose epitaxial growth is very challenging for conventional techniques. The material has gained significant interest e.g. as a matrix material for color centers serving as qubits in quantum technology.
In this framework the successful candidate will take a leading role in setting up and establishing TLE at PDI. An important goal is the exploration of diamond thin film growth. This research will benefit from the close interaction with ongoing research at PDI dedicated to epitaxial growth by molecular beam epitaxy.

TLE thin film growth of diamond and other materials partially for external partners
Setting up establishing and advancing PDIs TLE activity
Coordinating the operation of the TLE lab including the work of users and
maintenance
Advising BSc MSc and PhD students
Coordinating collaborations internally and with external partners
Representing TLE activities to the scientific community and to the public

PhD degree in physics materials science electrical engineering or a related field
Hands-on knowledge in epitaxy reflected in publication record. Experience with
TLE is particularly valuable
Competence in structural characterization and physical property measurements
Expertise in the physics and/or applications of semiconductor thin films and
nanostructures
Good communication skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team of
scientists and engineers
Ambition to take up a scientific junior leadership role

This position is available starting in early 2026 and is limited to a 4-year period initially
with the perspective to become permanent. Salary and benefits are according to the Treaty
for German public service (TVöD Bund) at a level of E13.

Modern laboratories with a wide range of experimental techniques
Supportive environment with experts for various scientific sub-fields
International and culturally diverse community
Location in the heart of Berlin with excellent public transport connections
Subsidized travel ticket
Possibility to participate in professional development and/or exchange programs

The Paul Drude Institute is part of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. and a member
of the Leibniz Association. The institute carries out basic and applied research at
the nexus of materials science condensed matter physics and device engineering.
In the Epitaxy department at PDI a dedicated team of scientists technicians
postdocs and students operates a dozen molecular beam epitaxy systems for the
synthesis of a wide range of material systems including arsenides nitrides
oxides and 2D materials. This collaborative environment offers abundant
opportunities for learning about various aspects of epitaxy making it an ideal place
to advance a career in this field.

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 by October 3 2025 with the title of
the position in the subject line. The document should include:

Dedicated cover letter
CV
Transcript of Diplomas
Names and contact details of two referees (optional)

For more information about the project please contact Dr. Lutz Geelhaar ().

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority

TLE thin film growth of diamond and other materials partially for external partners
Setting up establishing and advancing PDIs TLE activity
Coordinating the operation of the TLE lab including the work of users and
maintenance
Advising BSc MSc and PhD students
Coordinating collaborations internally and with external partners
Representing TLE activities to the scientific community and to the public

PhD degree in physics materials science electrical engineering or a related field
Hands-on knowledge in epitaxy reflected in publication record. Experience with
TLE is particularly valuable
Competence in structural characterization and physical property measurements
Expertise in the physics and/or applications of semiconductor thin films and
nanostructures
Good communication skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team of
scientists and engineers
Ambition to take up a scientific junior leadership role