PhD Student: Electron Microscopy of Soft Functional Materials (f/m/d)

INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials; Saarbrücken; Vor Ort; EUR 30.000 - 35.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institute in Saarbrücken is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to develop electron microscopy methodologies for soft functional materials. This role includes working with advanced microscopy equipment and contributing to groundbreaking research. Ideal candidates will have a Master's degree in materials science, strong communication skills, and interests in both chemistry and microscopy techniques. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

Mobile working

Company pension scheme

Support for publishing and presentations

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in a related field with interest in microscopy.
• Experience in microscopy and/or spectroscopy is an advantage.
• Ability to collaborate in a diverse team.
• Strong command of English; German is beneficial.

Aufgaben

• Develop workflows for analyzing local structure in materials.
• Apply statistical methods for data analysis.
• Contribute to the E-MOSAIC project.

Kenntnisse

Transmission electron microscopy

Spectroscopy techniques

Material characterization

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in Chemistry/Materials Science/Physics

Tools

Aberration corrected transmission electron microscope

Scanning electron microscopes

Jobbeschreibung

The Innovative Electron Microscopy Department develops and applies electron microscopy methodologies for nanoscale and atomic‑resolution characterization of soft functional materials and their interfaces, with a specific focus on soft‑hard interfaces.

PhD STUDENT (F/M/D): electron microscopy of soft functional materials

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of materials science who is passionate about both physical chemistry and nanoscale characterization of materials.

YOUR TASKS:

The PhD position is part of the E‑MOSAIC project, which is focused on the development of electron microscopy approaches for the characterization of complex hybrid materials at the atomic scale. As a member of the project team, you will contribute to establishing and applying low‑electron‑dose workflows for the analysis of the local structure in soft functional materials (semi‑crystalline and amorphous materials) using electron diffraction and electron energy loss spectroscopy methodologies. You will apply statistical methods for the combined analysis of the obtained data with the aim to retrieve information about both local coordination and chemical composition in these materials at the nanoscale.

YOUR PROFILE:

• You have a Master’s degree in Chemistry/Materials Science/Physics or a closely related field, with a strong interest in transmission electron microscopy and/or spectroscopy techniques.
• Experience with material characterization using microscopy and/or spectroscopy techniques is an advantage.
• Ability to work as a member of an international, multi‑disciplinary team.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, thorough command of the English language. German language knowledge is very beneficial.

WE OFFER:

• An exciting position in a dynamic research team located on the attractive research campus Saarbruecken.
• An opportunity to work with high‑end microscopy equipment, including an aberration corrected transmission electron microscope, and different scanning electron microscopes.
• Strong support to perform high‑quality research and to publish and present your research results (journals, national and international conferences).
• A comprehensive benefits package (flexible working hours, mobile working, company pension scheme).

Desired starting date: as soon as possible, salary level E13 TV‑L 60%, contract limited to three years (with possible extension).

We are looking forward to receiving your application (CV, a complete list of publications, one-page motivation letter, at least two letters of reference) by November 15th, 2025. Please use our online application system.

The INM practices an open and appreciative corporate culture in which the existing diversity is promoted and lived. The institute is an equal‑opportunity employer with a certified family‑friendly policy, and it provides offers for a better work life balance, flextime and mobile working. We promote the professional opportunities of women and strongly encourage them to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.