Postdoc position (f/m/d) – Developing Predictive Theoretical Framework for 2D materials Design and Synthesis (Full Time) in Berlin

About the position

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop advanced computational approaches to design and synthesize 2D materials grown by vapor-phase techniques. This two-year position is part of the NSF–DFG DMREF project “AI-Driven Platform for 2D Materials Synthesis and Discovery”. The project integrates computational materials science, autonomous experimentation, and AI to develop a predictive framework for 2D-material synthesis. The research will span the full growth process—from gas-phase precursor chemistry and surface reactions to thin-film growth and resulting material properties. The successful candidate will combine first-principles calculations (DFT), reactive molecular dynamics (ReaxFF), and machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) to develop multiscale, high-throughput workflows for reactive growth environments. The work will be closely integrated with experiments, machine-learning/data science, and micro- to mesoscale modelling, providing opportunities to lead high-impact interdisciplinary research in predictive materials synthesis.

Your responsibilities

• Lead first-principles DFT calculations to investigate 2D materials-related optical, electronic, and structural properties.
• Develop, validate, and apply machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) for large-scale atomistic simulations of reactive materials-growth processes.
• Integrate DFT, ReaxFF, and MLIP simulations into multiscale and high-throughput computational workflows.
• Perform simulations on national and international HPC infrastructures, including hybrid CPU/GPU architectures, and optimize computational workflows for large-scale studies.
• Work closely with experimental, machine-learning/data-science, and micro- to mesoscale modeling teams to connect simulations with experimental observations and synthesis conditions.
• Analyze complex simulation and experimental datasets; experience with machine-learning approaches for image processing and analysis is an advantage.
• Mentor Master’s/PhD students in computational techniques, model development, and project planning.
• Contribute to/lead manuscripts activelyand user/grant proposals, and present results in group meetings and at conferences.

Your profile

• PhD in computational materials science and computational physics.
• Computational expertise: Strong expertise in first-principles methods, particularly Density Functional Theory (DFT), and machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIP), or applying machine-learning methods to materials problems, is a strong advantage.
• Programming and workflow development: proficiency in scientific programming, preferably Python, with experience developing automated simulation workflows, high-throughput frameworks, or computational pipelines.
• HPC Expertise: demonstrated experience with high-performance computing, including parallel computing, workload/job scheduling, and running or optimizing large-scale simulations on CPU and/or GPU architectures.
• Communication and mentorship: good written and oral communication skills, with enthusiasm for mentoring students and working in an international, interdisciplinary research environment.

Position and salary

This position is available immediately and is limited to 2 years. Salary and benefits are according to the Treaty for German public service (TVöD Bund) to a level of E13 (100%), taking work experience and special professional skills into account.

What we offer

• Supportive environment with experts for various scientific sub-fields.
• Modern office located in the heart of Berlin with excellent public transport connections and a subsidized travel ticket.
• Access to national and international HPC centers with modern hybrid CPU/GPU architectures.
• International and culturally diverse community.
• Close collaboration with a nationa/international team integrating experiments, computational materials science, machine learning, data science, and micro- to mesoscale continuum modeling.

About PDI

The Paul Drude Institute is part of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. and a member of the Leibniz Association. We are a globally recognized research institution specializing in the development of novel functional materials through molecular beam epitaxy. The institute carries out basic and applied research at the nexus of materials science, condensed matter physics, and device engineering.

Inclusive and equal opportunity employer

With approximately 100 employees and more than 15 nationalities, PDI is committed to building a talented, inclusive, and culturally diverse workforce. We understand that our shared future is guided by basic principles of fairness and mutual respect.

As anequal opportunity and family-friendly employer, we offer highly flexible employment conditions, such as flexible working hours, parental leave, and home office, and we strive to create a family- and life-conscious working environment.

Among equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to candidates from marginalized groups. That means, we welcome every qualified application, regardless of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age or sexual orientation.

PDI follow our gender equality plan, so we want to engage women* to apply at PDI to balance the gender ratio in science. Disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.