PhD student (f/d/m) - Ultrafast spectroscopy of semiconductor hetero- and nanostructures

About the position

The PDI is currently looking to strengthen our team focused on the study of ultrafast processes in semiconductor hetero- and nanostructures. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate who is willing to push our research beyond the current state-of-the-art. The successful candidate will focus on the study of carrier dynamics, spin dynamics, photon-statistics, coherent phonon generation and thermal transport using time-resolved, time-correlated and pump-probe based measurement techniques. These may include ultrafast optical/THz pump-probe spectroscopy, transient grating, TDTR, TR-MOKE, TCSPC and HBT measurements. The successful candidate will participate in the construction, optimization and application of novel experimental setups to conduct cutting-edge research and will be supervised by experienced postdoctoral researchers and senior scientists.

Your responsibilities

• Active engagement in the construction, optimization, and automation of a laboratory for ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy
• Conducting innovative and forefront research in material science and physics on ultrashort time scales
• Contribute measurements to collaborations with internal and external partners
• Publication in renowned journals
• Dissemination of research results in conferences and workshops
• Participate in the application for beam-time and conducting experiments in large scale research facilities
• Supervision of Bachelor and Master students in their lab work and data analysis tasks

Your profile

• Master degree in physics or related
• Background in experimental condensed-matter physics
• Hands-on experience in optical, ultrafast and/or pump-probe spectroscopy
• Skills in construction and alignment of optical setups is a plus
• Experience in writing scientific publications is appreciated
• Skill and patience in performing challenging experimental work
• Programming skills for data analysis in e.g. Python
• Good communication skills and the spirit to work in an interdisciplinary and diverse team

Position and salary

This position is available starting 01. October 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 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 PD. Dr. Markus R. Wagner at wagner@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. Among equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to candidates from marginalized groups. 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.

How to apply