volume: Full time
restriction: until 31.10.2031
salary: EG 13 TV-L
beginning: as soon as possible
In the Institute of Physics at the Group of Fundamentals of Energy Materials at the Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany) is a vacancy for a

Postdoctoral researcher (f/m/d)

as soon as possible.
The goal of the BMFTR-funded Junior Research Group ‘Passivation Protection Layers for High-Efficiency Multi-Absorber Devices for Photoelectrochemical Solar Fuel Production (acronym ‘PARASOL’)’ is to integrate stable and efficient metal oxide passivation protection layers with appropriate energetic alignment with multiabsorber photoelectrochemical cells (based on III-V and Si photoabsorbers) for solar fuel conversion.
The project follows innovative, integrated, and interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of surface science, photoelectrochemistry, and semiconductor physics, with a focus on understanding and engineering III-V photoabsorber/metal oxide/catalyst interfaces. The work combines materials development with advanced characterization methods and in situ optical and operando spectroscopy.
The advertised position is part of a Junior Research Group funded by the BMFTR, working in close collaboration with two internationally leading research teams at Technische Universität Ilmenau and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB).
Your tasks

IN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS ARE DESIRABLE:

• Strong background in semiconductor physics and inorganic/organic interface chemistry
• Hands-on experience in semiconductor processing, especially in atomic layer deposition (ALD) and/or metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD)
• Experience with advanced material characterization techniques, in particular: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and/or synchrotron-based techniques; Optical characterization (e.g., ellipsometry) and thin-film analysis
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, execute, and analyze experiments, including coordination of beamtime campaigns at synchrotron facilities
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, including co-supervision of PhD students and coordination within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
• Willingness to travel occasionally for national and international collaborations
• Excellent English communication skills are necessary (Level B2). Additional German skills are advantageous
  Please submit official certificates and transcripts to verify the qualifications listed in this job advertisement.
  The position is not divisible.

Required Qualifications for Participation in the Selection Process:

• completed scientific university degree (Master/ Dipl. (Univ.)) and PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field, with a focus on semiconductors, surface science, or electrochemistr

• Deposition of metal oxide thin films (e.g., Ga₂O₃) using atomic layer deposition (ALD)
• Fundamental investigation chemical and energetic structure at atomically well-ordered III-V surfaces/oxide/catalyst heterointerfaces, using laboratory-based and synchrotron-based photoelectron spectroscopy
• Study of electronic structure metal oxide thin film with or without catalyst in contact with an electrolyte by in situ PEC measurements and operando soft X-ray spectroscopy (synchrotron-based); PEC stability, efficiency and selectivity measurements
• Academic teaching support, including supervision of student research projects (e.g., Bachelor’s and Master’s theses) related to the research topic
• Assist in the supervision and mentoring of PhD students within the research group, in close collaboration with the group leader
• Active contribution to collaborative research with internal and external partners; dissemination of results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences
  Your profile

Required Qualifications for Participation in the Selection Process:

• completed scientific university degree (Master/ Dipl. (Univ.)) and PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field, with a focus on semiconductors, surface science, or electrochemistry