PhD Student (f/m/d) in Materials Science and Geoscience

PhD Student (f/m/d) in Materials Science and Geoscience

Reference No.: SE 2025/10

In the Department of Structure and Dynamics of Energy Materials, we research fundamental structure-property relationships of materials for energy conversion. The aim is to understand the physical properties of materials for thin-film photovoltaics from their atomic structure and thus create the basis for renewable energy sources of the future. We have researchers from all over the world working together towards this goal. Therefore, we hold many lectures and conferences, host international guests and build collaborations within the centre and with the Berlin and international research and industrial community. In order to contribute to the fulfilment of these scientific tasks, we are looking for a committed and open-minded PhD student. You can also expect varied activities in an international and appreciative environment and you will contribute to the development of renewable energies for a climate-friendly future together with researchers from all over the world.

Your Tasks

• Synthesis of new chalcogenide compound semiconductors (defect-tolerant ternary chalcogenides, defect-adamantines, quaternary chalcogenides without toxic elements)
• Structural and optoelectronic characterisation of compound semiconductors
• Writing scientific publications
• Presentation of scientific conferences/workshops

Your Profile

• Master's degree in materials science or geosciences
• Sound knowledge of crystallography
• Experience with diffraction methods (X-ray diffraction) and data analysis
• Strong experimental skills
• Experience in planning complex experiments
• High motivation for research work and teamwork
• Excellent communication skills

Your Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working environment, promotion of diversity sensitivity and implementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from the HZB Graduate Centre and HZB Postdoc Office
• Attractive remuneration through payment according the Collective Wage Agreement for the Civil Service TVöD Bund
• 30 days holiday/year
• Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programmes
• Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, part-time, hybrid working
• And a team that is looking forward to meeting you!

Fixed term contract for 48 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 11.05.2025. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by any other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.

We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.

For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.

➜ APPLY HERE

CONTACT

Frau Prof. Dr. Susan Schorr