Universität Duisburg-Essen | 13 positions for PhD candidates (f/m/d)

Are you interested in participating in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, strengthening your resume with professional and technical skills, and exploring the scientific and cultural diversity in Europe and North America? The graduate training program in Scalable 2D-Materials Architectures (2D-MATURE) may be the opportunity you’re looking for!
The DFG International Research Training Group (GRK 2803) Scalable 2D-Materials Architectures (2D-MATURE): Synthesis and Processing, Characterization and Functionality, Implementation and Demonstration is currently searching for the second cohort of PhD candidates starting in Spring/Summer 2025. This program is an international collaboration between the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) / RWTH Aachen University (RWTH, both in Germany) and the University of Waterloo (UW, Canada). Part of the international qualification within the 2D-MATURE is a 6-8 month research stay in Canada.
The research focus of 2D-MATURE is on development of scalable synthesis and processing routes for 2D materials, understanding interface-controlled functionality in realistic architectures, and demonstration of showcase applications, like light emitters, light sensors, supercapacitors, and batteries. Research and training tasks will be carried out by a collaborative and interdisciplinary team from electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering, as well as from physics and chemistry, with the intention to bring promising new 2D materials out of the laboratory and into the marketplace.
2D-MATURE invites applications for
13 positions for PhD candidates (f/m/d)
(TV-L 13, 100 %)
in the research areas of
synthesis and processing of scalable 2D materials;
analysis and modeling of their functionality in realistic architectures; and
implementation of these materials in optoelectronic and energy storage devices.
A subset of these positions will be for a «cotutelle» between UDE and UW, in which the candidates will spend equal time at UDE and UW.
Start: Spring/Summer 2025
Duration: 42 months (initially until 2027-09-30, extension thereafter)
Working Time: 100 per cent of a full-time position (part-time employment is possible)
Application deadline: 2024-12-31
Your profile
you are a talented and enthusiastic candidate with high interest in the research topic of 2D-MATURE
you have abilities for problem-solving and independent work
your previous professional history fits to the research tasks of 2D-MATURE
your (expected) Master’s degree has very good marks in a relevant subject area
We offer
opportunity to conduct high-level, interdisciplinary research in a stimulating environment
international exchange
interdisciplinary, international, and intersectoral training
regular supervision and mentoring
family friendliness through childcare services for your children
counselling for family care responsibilities
a wide range of further and advanced training programmes, individual induction training
excellent public transport connections and free parking spaces
attractive sports and health programmes (university sports)
Your application
Interested candidates should fill in the application form available at and send it together with a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a copy of all university degrees and other certificates in a single pdf-file stating the reference number 674-24 to Please mention in your application which projects and principal investigators provide the best match with your background and interest.
Additional PhD positions and positions for a thesis-based Master of Applied Science are available at UW in Canada. Please contact Prof. Dr. Michael Pope (UW, ) for details.
For more detailed information on the program and the application procedure please refer to Applicants are encouraged to contact the spokespersons in case of any questions: Prof. Dr. Gerd Bacher (UDE, ) and Prof. Dr. Michael Pope (UW, ).
The participating institutions view equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and are committed to accessibility for all students and employees. All candidates will be considered, although applications are particularly encouraged from women and under-represented groups. In accordance with German state equality legislation, women with equal qualifications will be given priority. People with disabilities are also encouraged to apply (see Section 2 Paragraph 3 of the German Social Code, SGB IX.)