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

About the position

Thermal laser epitaxy (TLE) is an emerging thin film growth technology with the potential to outperform state-of-the‑art thin film synthesis techniques. To make this method accessible to a wide range of users and realize its commercial potential, PDI received funding to establish the ‘Application Lab Thermal Laser Epitaxy’ (ATLAS). One relevant area of research 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 extremely challenging processes. The successful candidate will pioneer the experimental growth activities to synthesize device‑grade, conductive AlN films using TLE. This will be accomplished by exploring a new growth parameter space for AlN thin film synthesis. The postdoc’s research will benefit from interactions with ongoing research activities at PDI, as well as from national and international collaborations. Additional responsibilities may include mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, as well as contributing to grant proposals and project reports.

Your responsibilities

• 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

Your profile

• 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

Position and salary

This position is available from July 1, 2026 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%).

What we offer

• 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

About PDI

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.

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 follows 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 as a single PDF file or send it directly to 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 ( ).