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
The position includes the following areas of responsibility:
1. Epitaxy of III–V semiconductor structures using MOCVD
2. Deposition of metal oxide layers (e.g., TiO₂, (Al)Ga₂O₃) via ALD
3. Materials characterization of the fabricated structures
4. Surface and interface analysis (XPS, UPS), and in situ/operando spectroscopy
5. Photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic measurements
6. Academic support in teaching activities, e.g., supervision of thesis projects related to the research topic
7. Data evaluation, documentation, and presentation of scientific results (e.g., for reports, seminars)
8. Publication and presentation of results at national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
Your profile
Required Qualifications for Participation in the Selection Process:
9. 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)
In Addition, the Following Qualifications Are Desirable:
10. Solid knowledge of semiconductor physics, inorganic and organic chemistry, or surface analysis
11. Basic knowledge of semiconductor fabrication, particularly in metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD)
12. Independent, structured, and goal-oriented working style, along with the ability to conduct scientific research with the aim of completing a PhD
13. Willingness to travel occasionally for national and international collaborations
14. Very good written and spoken English skills (Level B2)
Please submit official certificates and transcripts to verify the qualifications listed in this job advertisement.
The position is not divisible.
What we offer you:
15. A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment
16. Access to advanced cleanroom infrastructure, state-of-the-art advance technical tools, in situ / operando spectroscopy tools
17. Close collaboration with leading research groups
18. Opportunities for national and international travel, participation in conferences, and collaborations with top-tier international partners
19. A supportive supervision environment including guidance from both PhD and PostDoc-level researchers
20. Attractive compensation according to the collective agreement for the public sector (TV-L), including an annual special payment
21. 30 days of annual leave plus additional paid holidays on December 24 and 31
22. Flexible working hours
23. 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.