About the position
PhD student (f/d/m)
Epitaxial growth h-BN films on single crystal metal templates
Hexagonal BN (h-BN) is a two-dimensional (2D) large-band gap insulator with many unusual properties that has recently attracted increasing attention. Its versatile potential in 2D electronics has been widely reported. It plays multiple roles in van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures, acting as an ultra-flat substrate to reduce charge fluctuations, as a passivation and/or encapsulation layer, and as atomically thin tunnel barriers. To date, the vast majority of experimental demonstrations of the properties of this material (and related vdW heterostructures) have been carried out using h-BN flakes mechanically exfoliated from small bulk crystals, whereas integration into practical devices will ultimately require h-BN layers synthesized at wafer scale. We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to investigate the epitaxial growth of h-BN using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The overall goal is to realize thin films of h-BN with high structural perfection on different single crystal metal templates. This research will be developed in the context of a project in which PDI collaborates with external partners aiming at the fabrication of vdW heterostructures combining MBE grown h-BN with other 2D materials. Thus, the PhD student will have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with external European partners as well as highly experienced senior scientists from PDI.

Your responsibilities

• Epitaxial growth of h-BN films on different single crystal, thin film metal templates
• Synthesis of single crystalline metal films on Al2O3 substrates
• Structural/morphological characterization of the grown material via different methods including scanning probe microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy
• Data analysis and planning of experiments
• Presentation of results at conferences and in written publications

Your profile

• Master degree physics, materials science, or a related field
• Experience with 2D materials and MBE is highly advantageous
• Experience with characterization of materials via different methods is also advantageous

Position and salary
This position is available from May 1, 2025 and is limited to a 3-year period initially with the perspective of a 1-year extension.
Salary and benefits are according to the Treaty for German public service (TVöD Bund) to a level of E13-75%.

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
• a 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 13 MBE systems for the synthesis of a wide range of material systems, including arsenides, nitrides, oxides, and 2D materials. This in-house collaborative environment offers abundant opportunities for both direct and indirect learning in various MBE technologies, making it an ideal place to start a career in the field.
For scientific information about the project, please contact Dr. Philipp John (john@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 by April 5, 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

• Epitaxial growth of h-BN films on different single crystal, thin film metal templates
• Synthesis of single crystalline metal films on Al2O3 substrates
• Structural/morphological characterization of the grown material via different methods including scanning probe microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy
• Data analysis and planning of experiments
• Presentation of results at conferences and in written publication