Postdoctoral Research Position: Oxide semiconductor material discovery by MBE (Full Time)

About the position

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral researcher to join our team on oxide semiconductors. The successful candidate will work in the project “Oxide semiconductor material discovery by MBE” in close collaboration with semiconductor industry. You will perform the growth of novel high-quality semiconducting oxides by molecular beam epitaxy and investigate their anisotropic, strain- and doping dependent key fundamental properties for thin-film transistor applications (such as band gap, charge carrier mobility, and surface passivation). Your research thus includes the basic structural, electrical, and electronic characterization. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the interface to semiconductor industry in a collaborative and innovative research environment.

Your responsibilities

• Design experiments aiming at determining materials limits working closely with internal and external collaborators.
• Perform the related growth and characterization experiments.
• Analyze and interpret data.
• Prepare regular reports on time for technical and review meetings.
• Write papers.
• Take part in regular internal and external meetings.

Your profile

• PhD in solid state physics or a related subject (e.g., materials science).
• Experience with epitaxy, materials characterization, reporting, and publication.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, in English.
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated, with a passion for working in a multi-disciplinary environment on challenging problems.
• Team-oriented, with the ability to collaborate effectively both internally and externally.
• A can-do-attitude with a high degree of reliability.

Position and salary

This position is available from 01 October 2025 and is limited to an initial 1-year period. Upon successful completion of this period, the position will be extended by another year. Salary and benefits are according to the Treaty for German public service (TVöD Bund) to a level of E13, taking work experience and special professional skills into account.

What we offer

• Job security and a good work-life balance
• Modern office located in the heart of Berlin with excellent public transport connections and a subsidized travel ticket
• Supportive environment with experts for various scientific sub-fields
• International and culturally diverse community
• Mobile work
• Possibility to participate in professional development and/or exchange programs

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.

For more information about the project, please contact Dr. Oliver Bierwagen – bierwagen@pdi-berlin.de.

Inclusive & 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 an equal 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.

How to apply

Please upload your application as a single PDF file by September 15, 2025. Your documents must include

• a dedicated cover letter
• CV
• diploma(s) and transcript(s)
• publication list (if exist)
• letter(s) of recommendation/contact information of references (if exist)

For questions on the project contact Dr. Oliver Bierwagen, bierwagen@pdi-berlin.de