Scientist (m/f/d) Thermal laser epitaxy of diamond thin films

About the position

Thermal laser epitaxy (TLE) is an innovative technique with the potential to revolutionize the growth of thin crystalline films. With the goal to make this method accessible to a wide range of users and thus realize its advantages for commercial use, PDI has acquired funding to set up the “Application lab thermal laser epitaxy” (ATLAS). One relevant application perspective is the growth of diamond. This is a semiconductor with ultra-wide band gap whose epitaxial growth is very challenging for conventional techniques. The material has gained significant interest, e.g., as a matrix material for color centers serving as qubits in quantum technology. In this framework, the successful candidate will take a leading role in setting up and establishing TLE at PDI. An important goal is the exploration of diamond thin film growth. This research will benefit from the close interaction with ongoing research at PDI dedicated to epitaxial growth by molecular beam epitaxy.

Your responsibilities

• TLE thin film growth of diamond and other materials, partially for external partners
• Setting up, establishing, and advancing PDI’s TLE activity
• Coordinating the operation of the TLE lab including the work of users and maintenance
• Advising BSc, MSc, and PhD students
• Coordinating collaborations internally and with external partners
• Representing TLE activities to the scientific community and to the public

Your profile

• PhD degree in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Hands-on knowledge in epitaxy, reflected in publication record. Experience with TLE is particularly valuable
• Competence in structural characterization and physical property measurements
• Expertise in the physics and/or applications of semiconductor thin films and nanostructures
• Good communication skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers
• Ambition to take up a scientific junior leadership role

Position and salary

This position is available starting in early 2026 and is limited to a 4-year period initially with the perspective to become permanent. Salary and benefits are according to the Treaty for German public service (TVöD Bund) at a level of E13.

What we offer

• Modern laboratories with a wide range of experimental techniques
• Supportive environment with experts for various scientific sub-fields
• International and culturally diverse community
• Location in the heart of Berlin with excellent public transport connections
• Subsidized travel ticket
• 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. The institute carries out basic and applied research at the nexus of materials science, condensed matter physics, and device engineering. In the Epitaxy department at PDI, a dedicated team of scientists, technicians, postdocs, and students operates a dozen molecular beam epitaxy systems for the synthesis of a wide range of material systems, including arsenides, nitrides, oxides, and 2D materials. This collaborative environment offers abundant opportunities for learning about various aspects of epitaxy, making it an ideal place to advance a career in this field.

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 follows 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 by October 3, 2025 with the title of the position in the subject line. The document should include:

• Dedicated cover letter
• CV
• Transcript of Diplomas
• Names and contact details of two referees (optional)

For more information about the project, please contact Dr. Lutz Geelhaar (geelhaar@pdi-berlin.de).