Postdoctoral researcher (f/m/d) - Institute of Physics at the Group of Fundamentals of Energy M[...]

Technische Universität Ilmenau; Ilmenau; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prestigious university in Germany is seeking a Postdoctoral researcher to join a Junior Research Group focused on energy materials. Responsibilities include depositing metal oxide thin films and conducting fundamental investigations at atomic interfaces. The ideal candidate holds a PhD and has a strong background in semiconductor physics and interface chemistry. This role offers collaboration with leading research teams and access to advanced facilities.

Leistungen

Access to advanced infrastructure

Opportunities for professional development

Flexible working hours

Qualifikationen

• Strong background in semiconductor physics.
• Hands-on experience in atomic layer deposition (ALD).
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute experiments.

Aufgaben

• Deposition of metal oxide thin films using ALD.
• Investigate chemical and energetic structure at heterointerfaces.
• Support academic teaching and supervise student projects.

Kenntnisse

Semiconductor physics

Inorganic/organic interface chemistry

Excellent communication skills

Ausbildung

PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science or related field

Tools

Atomic layer deposition (ALD)

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)

Jobbeschreibung

volume: Full time

restriction: until 31.10.2031

salary: EG 13 TV-L

beginning: as soon as possible

In the Institute of Physics at the Group of Fundamentals of Energy Materials at the Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany) is a vacancy for a

# Postdoctoral researcher (f/m/d)

as soon as possible.

The goal of the BMFTR-funded Junior Research Group 'Passivation Protection Layers for High-Efficiency Multi-Absorber Devices for Photoelectrochemical Solar Fuel Production (acronym ‘PARASOL’)' is to integrate stable and efficient metal oxide passivation protection layers with appropriate energetic alignment with multiabsorber photoelectrochemical cells (based on III-V and Si photoabsorbers) for solar fuel conversion.

The project follows innovative, integrated, and interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of surface science, photoelectrochemistry, and semiconductor physics, with a focus on understanding and engineering III-V photoabsorber/metal oxide/catalyst interfaces. The work combines materials development with advanced characterization methods and in situ optical and operando spectroscopy.

The advertised position is part of a Junior Research Group funded by the BMFTR, working in close collaboration with two internationally leading research teams at Technische Universität Ilmenau and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB).

Your tasks

Your job tasks includes the following responsibilities:

• Deposition of metal oxide thin films (e.g., Ga₂O₃) using atomic layer deposition (ALD)
• Fundamental investigation chemical and energetic structure at atomically well-ordered III-V surfaces/oxide/catalyst heterointerfaces, using laboratory-based and synchrotron-based photoelectron spectroscopy
• Study of electronic structure metal oxide thin film with or without catalyst in contact with an electrolyte by in situ PEC measurements and operando soft X-ray spectroscopy (synchrotron-based); PEC stability, efficiency and selectivity measurements
• Academic teaching support, including supervision of student research projects (e.g., Bachelor’s and Master’s theses) related to the research topic
• Assist in the supervision and mentoring of PhD students within the research group, in close collaboration with the group leader
• Active contribution to collaborative research with internal and external partners; dissemination of results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences
  
  

Your profile

Required Qualifications for Participation in the Selection Process:

• completed scientific university degree (Master/ Dipl. (Univ.)) and PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field, with a focus on semiconductors, surface science, or electrochemistry
  
  

In Addition, the Following Qualifications Are Desirable:

• Strong background in semiconductor physics and inorganic/organic interface chemistry
• Hands-on experience in semiconductor processing, especially in atomic layer deposition (ALD) and/or metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD)
• Experience with advanced material characterization techniques, in particular: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and/or synchrotron-based techniques; Optical characterization (e.g., ellipsometry) and thin-film analysis
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, execute, and analyze experiments, including coordination of beamtime campaigns at synchrotron facilities
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, including co-supervision of PhD students and coordination within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
• Willingness to travel occasionally for national and international collaborations
• Excellent English communication skills are necessary (Level B2). Additional German skills are advantageous
  
  

Please submit official certificates and transcripts to verify the qualifications listed in this job advertisement.

The position is not divisible.

What we offer you:

• A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment focused on cutting-edge materials and energy research
• Access to advanced infrastructure, including cleanroom facilities, state-of-the-art deposition and characterization tools, and in situ/operando spectroscopy setups
• Close collaboration with leading national and international research groups, including opportunities for joint projects and publications
• Opportunities for professional development, including travel to synchrotron facilities, participation in international conferences, and collaboration with top-tier academic partners
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from the TU Ilmenau Graduate Centre
• Attractive compensation according to the collective agreement for the public sector (TV-L), including an annual special payment
• 30 days of annual leave plus additional paid holidays on December 24 and 31
• Flexible working hours
• A fixed-term contract for at least 3 years, with the potential for extension
• VBL pension plan as part of public sector retirement benefits
  
  

At TU Ilmenau, you can expect a supportive and respectful working environment at a renowned research university, with a wide range of personal development and training opportunities. In addition to a family-friendly and flexible working time model, you will benefit from various campus advantages, including access to the student union dining facilities and a broad range of sports and recreational programs offered by the university sports center.

The university stands in the fields of technology, mathematics and natural sciences, business and media for teaching and research at the highest level. It attaches particular importance to innovativ teaching and interdisciplinary. It identifies with Humboldt's ideals and pursues the vision of a cosmopolitan campus family.

Technische Universität llmenau is holder of the „TOTAL E-Quality“ distinction and emphasizes gendered quality.

Severely disabled applicants with essentially identical professional suitability will be preferentially selected.

ID Number: 62/2025

application deadline: 31.08.2025

For further information, please contact Dr. Agnieszka Paszuk, Tel. [phone]

Technische Universität Ilmenau | Dezernat für Personal und Recht | Postfach 10 05 65 | 98684 Ilmenau

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