PhD student position (f/m/d) K 22/25

Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V.; Berlin; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Berlin seeks a PhD student for a groundbreaking project in silicon-based quantum photonics. The role involves developing isotope-pure silicon chips and collaborating with top national and international partners. Ideal candidates hold a Master's degree in a relevant field and possess strong communication skills. This position offers competitive compensation and supports the development of young scientists.

Leistungen

30 vacation days

Flexible working hours

Development opportunities for young scientists

Qualifikationen

• Ability to work in an internationally positioned group and institute.
• Interest in quantum information science and technology.
• Motivation to conduct scientific work and document findings.

Aufgaben

• Develop ultra-clean, isotope-pure SOI chips by molecular beam epitaxy.
• Innovate growth processes to introduce static strain in SOI.
• Collaborate with leading groups in quantum photonics.

Kenntnisse

Strong communication skills

Knowledge in semiconductor materials

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in physics, chemistry, materials science or related field

Tools

Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE)

Thin-film characterization

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ) is a leading research institution in science & technology and service & transfer of crystalline materials. Our goal is to enable solutions for urgent societal challenges (e.g., communication, artificial intelligence, climate protection, health) by modern electronic & photonic technologies. The work covers the full spectrum from basic research to applied research and pre-industrial development, 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: www.ikz-berlin.de.

Position

PhD student position (f/m/d)

Isotope-pure silicon epitaxy for quantum photonic chips

Project context

Are you excited by semiconductor materials science and quantum technology? This PhD project places you at the forefront of silicon-based quantum photonics, combining epitaxy, nanofabrication and quantum optics within a French-German collaboration. Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) provides a mature, industry-compatible platform for integrated quantum photonic circuits operating at telecom wavelengths, directly compatible with existing fiber networks. To realize fully functional quantum chips, the integration of reliable single-photon emitters remains a major open challenge. Among the most promising candidates are erbium (Er3+) ions in isotope-pure silicon, which feature extremely sharp atom-like optical transitions precisely in the telecom window, enabling low-loss photon transmission through standard optical fibers.

Responsibilities

• Develop ultra-clean, isotope-pure SOI chips by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for highly coherent Er quantum light sources, a key step toward scalable quantum networks.
• Innovate growth processes using silicon and germanium to introduce static strain in SOI.
• Explore in-situ incorporation of individual Er ions in SOI device layers.
• Operate and maintain large vacuum/epitaxy systems for isotope-pure Si epitaxy using 28Si.
• Leverage advanced in-house material characterization tools to understand and improve nanoscale properties of the materials.
• Collaborate with leading groups in the quantum field, integrating material developments in real quantum photonic chips, in a project with partners from Institut Néel CNRS and Technical University of Munich (TUM) Center for Quantum Engineering (ZQE).

Requirements

We are looking for a candidate with strong communication skills, the ability to work in an internationally positioned group and institute, and a willingness to formulate scientific ideas and help find technical solutions to project-specific challenges. Furthermore, we expect:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, materials science or related field.
• Solid knowledge in semiconductor materials, epitaxy, and thin-film characterization (experience in any of these areas is a plus).
• Interest in quantum information science and quantum technology.
• Motivation and capability to do scientific work, as well as its documentation and presentation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

About IKZ

IKZ is recognized as a provider and leading facility for the purification and crystal growth of isotope-pure semiconductor material, e.g., for metrology, cosmology and particle physics. Our research group benefits from this position and is internationally recognized for the development and distribution of isotope-pure SiGe quantum material.

What we offer

The position is limited to three years. Payment is according to TVöD Bund (E13 75%). The contract includes the usual social benefits (30 vacation days in a 5-day week, flexible working hours). IKZ actively promotes the development of young scientists and follows the guidelines of the Leibniz Association.

Equal opportunity and contact

IKZ supports a healthy work-life balance and is an equal opportunities employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply and will be given preference if suitably qualified. Among equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to candidates with disabilities. IKZ promotes diversity and welcomes every qualified application regardless of age, belief, disabilities, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation.

For information about the project please contact: Dr. Kevin-Peter Gradwohl ([e-mail]).

Application

Have we aroused your interest? Then apply with a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and all relevant certificates by 30.11.2025. To do so, please go to Job offers/jobs on our homepage and click on this advertisement and then on "Apply online". Please send your complete application documents this way.

We look forward to receiving your application!