IKZ International Fellowship Award 2026

The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ) is a leading research institution in the area of science & technology as well as service & transfer of crystalline materials. Our goal is to enable solutions for urgent societal challenges (e.g. communication artificial intelligence climate protection health etc.) by modern electronic & photonic technologies. The work covers the full spectrum from basic over applied research up to pre-industrial development and is performed in collaboration with national and international partners from university academy and industry. The institute is part of the Forschungsverbund Berlin ( and a member of the Leibniz Association . You can find more details on the institute webpage: .

IKZ invites application for the

IKZ International Fellowship Award 2026 on
AlGaN based power electronics & UV photonics

IKZ is looking for a leading expert in the field of AlGaN heteroepitaxy and device-oriented materials development. The ideal candidate has an excellent track record of internationally visible scientific achievements in AlGaN heteroepitaxy employing epitaxial growth techniques such as MOVPE/ MBE. The candidate has made substantial contributions to the understanding and advancement of epitaxial growth mechanisms material quality and heterostructure design for deep-ultraviolet optoelectronic devices and/or AlN-based high-power / high frequency electronic devices.The ability to translate scientific advances of AlGaN devices on native AlN substrates into technological applications is highly desirable. Experience with technology transfer either by collaborations with established industry or by start-up companies is very welcome.

The selection will be based on the candidates research concept for collaboration with IKZ which should build upon the expertise & technical capabilities of AlN substrate prototyping at IKZ. Further criteria include distinguished scientific & technological contributions to the field proved by scientific publications third-party funding with academia & industry as well as successful technology transfer projects.

The fellowship award amounts to 10.000 and will be handed over to the successful candidate in a ceremony with a certificate. The IKZ fellow is expected to undertake a flexible guest scientist stay of up to three months at IKZ between 2027 and 2029. The stay will provide the opportunity in collaboration with IKZ scientists to initiate new third-party funded research programs in the above field fostering cooperation between IKZ & the fellows institution.

For further information please feel free to contact:
Dr. Carsten Hartmann ()
Dr. Thomas Straubinger ().

Among equally qualified applicants preference will be given to disabled candidates. The IKZ is an equal opportunity employer and actively supports reconciliation of work and family life. There is equality for applicants of all genders. Qualified women are especially encouraged to apply.

Have we aroused your interest
Then apply with a letter of motivation including a one-page research outline for a potential long-term collaboration with IKZ in the above field curriculum vitae and all relevant certificates by March 1 2026. To do so please go to Job offers/jobs on our homepage and click on this advertisement and then on Apply online. Please send us your complete application documents this way.

We look forward to receive your application!