TU Ilmenau offers three PhD positions within the DFG Priority Program SPP 2477 “Nitrides4Future – Novel Materials and Device Concepts”. The here offered position is one of two within the sub-project “Ternary metal nitrides – exploring fundamental optical and electronic properties towards ferroelectric functional structures”.  The research topics focus on experimentally gaining comprehensive knowledge of optical properties, properties of the electronic structure, and electro-optical properties of the innovative novel d-electron element containing group-three nitride compounds, e.g. [(Sc,Y,La ),(Al,Ga,In)]N. Ferroelectric electro-optical switches shall be developed. The work will be in close collaboration with the PhD student working on fundamental solid-state theory of the same materials.

Your tasks

Your job tasks includes the following responsibilities:

• Optical and electronic characterization of various d-electron element containing group-three nitrides (Photoluminescence Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, …)
• Ultrafast Femtosecond Time-Resolved Pump-Probe Spectroscopic Ellipsometry and Time-Resolved Photoluminescence
• Data evaluation (commercial software, programming own software)
• Deposition of ScAlN thin films using magnetron sputtering
• Real-structure investigations (XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM, …) of these films
• Development of an electro-optical swich
• Support in teaching (Bachelor and Master thesis, lab courses, seminars)
• Documentation, publication, and presentation of results at national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

Your profile

For being part of the selection process is needed:

• University degree (Master/ Dipl. (Univ.)) in a natural science, materials science, or engineering discipline
• good written and spoken English skills

Following competences are desirable:

• Solid knowledge of solid-state (semiconductor) physics
• Good knowledge in technical optics and solid-state optics
• Experience in Ellipsometry method
• Basic knowledge in programming / coding and data analysis software
• Independent, structured, and goal-oriented working style

Please provide evidence of the qualifications required for the job by certificates and references.

Please indicate when you would be optionally interested in one of the other two open positions within the SPP 2477 framework.

The position is not divisible.

The job interviews will be placed in calenderer week 46/2025.

What we offer you:

• attractive remuneration according to collective agreement (as per TV-L) incl. granting of a special annual payment
• vacation entitlement of 30 days in the calendar year and additional days off on 24 / 31 December
• family-friendly, flexible working time model
• VBL - pension scheme in the public sector
• wide range of individual training opportunities
• extensive health and sports programs
• respectful working environment at a renowned university