The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile lines Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The Institute of Physical Chemistry, the group of Applied Physical Chemistry & Molecular Nanotechnology seeks to fill as soon as possible a position of

Research Associate / PhD student
on the topic of novel 2D materials

We offer a part-time position (65%, 26 hours per week, salary group E 13 TV-L) based on a fixed-term contract initially limited up to 3 years.

The successful candidate will join a highly motivated and interdisciplinary experimental research group led by Professor Andrey Turchanin (https://www.apc.uni-jena.de/). The group focuses on physical, chemical, and materials science aspects related to the nanoscience and nanotechnology of inorganic and organic two-dimensional (2D) materials. Key research areas of the group include tailored growth of innovative 2D materials, nanoscale characterization of their physical and chemical properties using state-of-the-art spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, and characterization of their functional properties in electronic, photonic, and optoelectronic devices including field-effect transistors, memristors, photodetectors, chemical and biochemical sensors, novel catalysts.

Your responsibilities:

We invite applications for a PhD project focused on cutting-edge research in two-dimensional (2D) materials. Depending on your academic background and interests, the project may explore:

• Monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), including lateral and van der Waals heterostructures, as well as Janus TMDs
• Molecular 2D materials

Your research will involve the use of advanced ultra-high vacuum (UHV) surface science techniques. Key topics include:

• Tailored growth of novel 2D materials
• Nanoscale characterization of their structural, chemical, and electronic properties using state-of-the-art UHV microscopy and spectroscopy tools: Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and vacuum ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS)\

Your profile:

• You hold an M.Sc. or Diploma degree in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science.
• You have strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• You are eager to work in an interdisciplinary, dynamic, and international team.
• Practical experience in the UHV surface science techniques particularly with STM would be an advantage for this PhD project.

Not sure if you meet all our requirements? Don’t hesitate to apply! We’re excited to learn more about you and your unique qualifications.

We offer:

• an excellent research environment within national and international networks
• excellently equipped labs
• excellently equipped office area
• qualification, consultation, and additional support services from the Jena Graduate Academy
• a family friendly work environment
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale 13 - depending on the candidate’s personal qualification, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31\

The advertised position is limited up to 3 years, with an availability of respective funs an extension is possible. The position is a part-time appointment rated at 65%, i.e. 26 hours per week.
Along with your application please submit:

• Letter of interest (ca. 1-2 pages) expressing your motivation to join our group
• Your Curriculum Vitae
• Degree certificate/Transcript of records

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 10.07.2025 using our online form.