Postdoc position (m/f/d)Growth of AlN by thermal laser epitaxy (Full Time)

Thermal laser epitaxy (TLE) is an emerging thin film growth technology with the
potential tooutperform state-of-the-art thin film synthesis techniques.
To make this method accessibleto a wide range of users and realize its commercial
potential, PDI received funding toestablish the ‘Application Lab Thermal Laser Epitaxy’
(ATLAS). One relevant area ofresearch is the growth and doping of aluminum nitride
(AlN), a semiconductor with an ultra-wide band gap. The epitaxial growth and p-type
doping of AlN films are extremelychallenging processes. The successful candidate will
pioneer the experimental growthactivities to synthesize device-grade, conductive AlN
films using TLE. This will beaccomplished by exploring a new growth parameter space
for AlN thin film synthesis. Thepostdoc's research will benefit from interactions with
ongoing research activities at PDI, aswell as from national and international
collaborations. Additional responsibilities mayinclude mentoring graduate and
undergraduate students, as well as contributing to grantproposals and project reports.

• Pioneering the growth and doping of AlN using TLE
• Kinetic modeling of AlN growth during the TLE process
• Contributing to the installation and maintenance of the new TLE laboratory
• Growing samples for external partners of the application lab
• Structural, electrical, and optical characterization
• Data analysis, modeling, and independent planning of experiments
• Presentation of results at conferences and in publications

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field
• Strong background in semiconductor physics and thin-film growth by
  molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) or pulsed laser deposition (PLD)
• Strong background in the growth and doping of ultra-wide bandgap
  (UWBG) semiconductors
• Experience with structural, electrical, and optical characterization techniques
• Hands-on experience with maintaining ultra-high vacuum systems, e.g.,
  MBE or PLD chambers
• Self-management and mindset for actively collaborating with a team of
  scientists and technicians
• Excellent spoken and written English skills

This position is available from July 1, 2026 on and is limited to a 2.5-year period.
Salary and benefits are according to the Treaty for German public service
(TVöD Bund) to a level of E13(100%).

• 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

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.

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.

Please uplpad your application as a single PDF file or send it directly to
szegedy@pdi-berlin.de by April 10, 2026 with the title of the position in the subject line.

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 scientific information about the project,please contact Dr. Patrick Vogt (vogt@pdi-berlin.de).