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Faculty of Mechanical Engineering :
Materials Discovery and Interfaces
Neue Materialien und Grenzflächen
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
Postdoctoral Researcher: Further development and application of advanced sputtering techniques (HPPMS, in situ plasma diagnostics) for targeted synthesis of multifunctional thin films
The chair of Materials Discovery and Interfaces at the Institute for Materials develops new multifunctional thin-film materials by using combinatorial sputtering methods (material libraries) and high-throughput characterization methods. For this purpose, unique experimental facilities are available: 9 combinatorial sputtering systems (inert, reactive, DC, RF, HPPMS, ...), in situ characterization methods (plasma diagnostics, e.g. OES, Langmuir probe), diverse high-throughput characterization methods (EDX, XPS, XRD, functional properties).
In order to strengthen the efficient international team of the chair, the position of a postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) is to be filled. We are looking for a sputter expert to further develop and utilize our sputter capabilities. The tasks include experimental work (development and use of optimized sputter processes, synthesis of material libraries, high-throughput characterization), working in publicly funded projects and industrial research projects. We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with very good knowledge in the field of sputter technology who is willing to tackle new, exciting and promising topics in an interdisciplinary environment and who has the ambition to efficiently generate, publish and apply new scientific findings using the exceptional experimental facilities available. The future postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) is expected to work independently with high motivation, be able to work in teams in a goal-oriented manner, efficiently translate results into scientific publications, very good scientific, technical and communication skills, fluent in written and spoken English.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 24 Monate
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-04-27
Your tasks:
- Combinatorial synthesis of thin film materials libraries using sputtering
- High-throughput characterization of the thin film materials libraries (EDX, XRD, XPS ...)
- Implementing new advanced sputtering and characterization techniques (OES, AES, RHEED)
- Further development of combinatorial fabrication processes towards (semi)autonomous coating processes
Your profile:
- Ph.D. degree in materials science, materials physics or a closely related field, with a strong academic record.
- Extensive experience in the field of sputter deposition of thin films with a proven track record
- Experience in the field of thin film characterization, e.g. SEM, EDX, XPS, XRD, ...
- Experience with HPPMS
- Experience with in situ characterization techniques such as optical emission spectroscopy (OES), quartz crystal monitor or Langmuir probe
- Experience in data science literacy and programming knowledge are desirable
- Willingness to work in a clean room
- Experience and interest in publications
We offer:
Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, A qualified on-boarding and induction process, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings
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.
Please upload your complete and informative application documents (informative cover letter (letter of motivation), CV with certificates, your 3 most relevant peer—reviewed publications) as one pdf document.
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:
Sigurd Thienhaus , Tel.: +49 234 32 29972
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 2026-04-27. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5554.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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