Postdoc in physics, chemistry, materials science or similar (f/m/d)

The Institute for Frontier Materials on Earth and in Space offers a unique research environment.

From analyses at the atomic level to parabolic flights and experiments on the ISS - our research environment is as diverse as it is fascinating. We look forward to welcoming new colleagues who would like to join us in researching and developing the materials and processes of the future.

What To Expect

The position is part of the binational DFG project "Combinatorial development of efficient thermoelectric half-Heusler materials using machine learning, DFT and high-throughput experiments", which is being carried out in cooperation between the DLR Institute of Materials Research, the University of Montpellier and the Ruhr University Bochum. The aim of the project is to develop highly effective thermoelectric materials based on environmentally friendly and readily available starting materials. In particular, the aim is to synthesise new compositions, establish composition‑microstructure‑property relationships and further develop high‑throughput measurement and evaluation methods.

Your tasks

• Synthesis of thermoelectric semiconductor materials from the class of half‑Heusler compounds using melting or powder metallurgical processes
• Characterisation of thermoelectric samples with regard to microstructure (SEM, EDX, XRD), composition and integral electrical and thermal transport properties
• Local determination of the transport properties of graded or inhomogeneous samples, further development of existing measurement systems and analysis tools
• Further development of effective media models for the consideration of secondary phases in transport modelling
• Development of transport models taking into account the electronic band structure based on the measurement results
• Analysing the results and publishing them in conference papers and scientific articles
• Supervision of internships, Bachelor's and Master's theses, support for doctoral theses

Your profile

• Master's or diploma degree in a natural science or engineering field/subject, e.g. materials science, physics, chemistry or comparable
• Very good doctorate: Dr. rer. nat., Dr.-Ing. or comparable
• Four or more scientific publications (peer‑reviewed)
• Extensive laboratory experience in the high‑temperature bulk synthesis of inorganic thermoelectric compound semiconductors, ideally of half‑Heusler compounds
• Experience in the functional and microstructural characterisation of thermoelectric materials (SEM, XRD, EDX, AFM…)
• Sound knowledge of solid‑state physics, semiconductor physics, solid‑state chemistry, thermodynamics
• Ability to work in an international team of scientists, technicians, students and international co‑operation partners and a very good knowledge of written and spoken English

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 4374) please contact:

Prof. Dr. Wolf Eckhard Müller

Tel.: