volume: Part time 75%

temporary: until 30.09.2026

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

# PhD Position (f/m/d)

to promote their own scientific qualification within the meaning of Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz) as soon as possible.

As part of the Carl Zeiss Foundation, in the project “Substitution and recycling strategies for critical elements in highly efficient optoelectronic energy materials (SustEnMat)” researchers from the natural sciences, engineering, and economics work closely together.

This interdisciplinary approach is not only advantageous but essential for addressing the complex challenges of sustainability. It enables us to develop holistic solutions that align technological innovation with ecological responsibility. Through intensive materials science research, we are developing groundbreaking, resource-efficient material combinations.

The project follows innovative, integrated, and interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of surface science, photoelectrochemistry, and semiconductor physics, involving economic aspects, with a focus on understanding and engineering semiconductor/oxide/catalyst interfaces.

The advertised position is part of the BMFTR-funded Junior Research Group SINATRA: PARASOL.

Your tasks

Your job tasks includes the following responsibilities:

• Epitaxy of III–V semiconductor structures using MOCVD
• Deposition of metal oxide layers (e.g., TiO₂, (Al)Ga₂O₃) via ALD
• Materials characterization of the fabricated structures
• Surface and interface analysis (XPS, UPS), and in situ/operando spectroscopy
• Photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic measurements
• Academic support in teaching activities, e.g., supervision of thesis projects related to the research topic
• Data evaluation, documentation, and presentation of scientific results (e.g., for reports, seminars)
• Publication and presentation of results at national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

Your profile

For being part of the selection process is needed:

• Completed scientific university degree (Master/ Dipl. (Univ.)) with above-average academic performance, in a natural sciences, materials science, or engineering discipline (e.g., chemistry, physics, renewable energy technologies, materials science)

Following competences are desirable:

• Solid knowledge of semiconductor physics, inorganic and organic chemistry, or surface analysis
• Basic knowledge of semiconductor fabrication, particularly in metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD)
• Independent, structured, and goal-oriented working style, along with the ability to conduct scientific research with the aim of completing a PhD
• Willingness to travel occasionally for national and international collaborations
• Very good written and spoken English skills(Level B2)

Please provide evidence of the qualifications required for the job by certificates and references.

The position is not divisible.

What we offer you:

• attractive remuneration according to collective agreement (as per TV-L) incl. granting of a special annual payment
• vacation entitlement of 30 days in the calendar year and additional days off on 24 / 31 December
• family-friendly, flexible working time model
• VBL - pension scheme in the public sector
• wide range of individual training opportunities
• extensive health and sports programs
• respectful working environment at a renowned university

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: 51/2026
application deadline: 27.09.2026

For further information please contact Dr. Agnieszka Paszuk, Phone +49 3677 69 2578.

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