Share page
Faculty of Physics and Astronomy :
AG Spectroscopy of Condensed Matter
Molecular Beam Epitaxy Section
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for 1
Postdoc (m/f/x)
The Molecular Beam Epitaxy section, within the Spectroscopy of Condensed Matter Group, is seeking a highly motivated postdoc to join our team. You will be a key scientific contributor to the PHOQUS project—a prestigious ERC Synergy initiative dedicated to experimentally demonstrating that quantum dots are essential for scalable photonic quantum computation. Our research sits at the intersection of fundamental solid-state physics, advanced material science, and the engineering of next-generation semiconductor devices.
As an advanced researcher within the PHOQUS team, you will contribute significantly to the development of novel nanostructures tailored for quantum-photonic architectures. You will drive the technical development of our epitaxy systems, integrating innovative hardware components designed to unlock new growth regimes for next-generation quantum materials. In this role, you will bridge the gap between theoretical physics and experimental hardware reality while providing technical guidance and support to the research team.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 2 years
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-06-07
Your tasks:
You will take on an advanced scientific position within the PHOQUS project, transitioning from an expert to a specialist in quantum semiconductor technology. Your responsibilities include:
- Advanced Design & Engineering: Playing a leading role in the architectural design of complex semiconductor heterostructures. You will translate the synergy's high-level quantum-photonic goals into viable epitaxial designs for next-generation devices.
- Frontier Synthesis: Advancing the limits of high-quality growth using state-of-the-art Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE). You will be responsible for exploring unconventional growth regimes to ensure the material quality meets the high demands of the PHOQUS project.
- Scientific Coordination: Overseeing multi-modal characterization (morphological, optical, and electronic). You will perform measurements and synthesize complex data sets to contribute to the theoretical and experimental direction of the project partners.
- Technical Innovation: Developing novel epitaxial methods and designing bespoke hardware upgrades. You will contribute to the implementation of innovative modules (e.g., in-situ monitoring, novel source designs, or means for positioning quantum emitters) to achieve unprecedented quantum dot-based photonic materials.
- Infrastructure Support & Knowledge Transfer: Contributing to the operational excellence of the MBE facility. This includes the setup and calibration of ultrahigh-vacuum equipment and the technical support of doctoral researchers, ensuring a high-level transfer of expertise within the laboratory environment.
Your profile:
- Mindset: We are looking for an ambitious researcher with a strong "can-do" attitude who is dedicated to scientific excellence and technical evolution.
- Education: A PhD in physics, material science, or a related field, with a clear focus on experimental solid-state physics or semiconductor technology.
- Expertise: You possess a profound technical background in MBE and/or advanced laser systems. A solid command of ultra-high vacuum technology is an essential requirement. We welcome experts from either discipline who are eager to bridge the gap between material synthesis and quantum photonics.
- Technical Creativity: You have a demonstrated ability to design and implement custom hardware solutions. You are comfortable with both technical engineering and complex data analysis.
- Collaboration & Communication: You are highly organized and capable of collaborating effectively within an international synergy. Excellent English communication skills are a must for interfacing with research groups and providing guidance to the team.
- Commitment: You enjoy taking ownership of experimental setups and thrive on the challenge of developing and maintaining sophisticated laboratory infrastructure.
We offer:
- Scientific Independence: A high degree of autonomy in your research and the opportunity to play a central role in a ERC Synergy project (PHOQUS).
- Career Development: A dedicated platform for professional growth, including the possibility of long-term contract extension (up to 6 years), support for grant writing, and a clear path toward scientific independence.
- World-Class Research Network: Direct collaboration with leading global research groups across the PHOQUS synergy, providing an elite international network in academia and the quantum industry.
- State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Access to one of Germany’s most advanced MBE and characterization suites within the University Alliance Ruhr.
- Inclusive & Appreciative Culture: Integration into a committed, diverse team that values academic excellence and mutual support.
- Strategic Location: A position at one of Germany's largest universities in the heart of the Ruhr metropolitan region—a hub for quantum innovation and high quality of life.
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Dr. Arne Ludwig Tel.: +49 234 32 25864
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-06-07. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5704.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA