The Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth (IKZ) is a leading research institution in the area of crystal growth of technologically important materials for micro-, opto- and power electronics, sensors, optics and laser technology. This ranges from explorative fundamental research to pre-industrial development. It is part of Forschungsverbund Berlin and a member of the Leibniz Association. You may find more details at: www.ikz-berlin.de

Commencing May, 1^st there is an opening for a

PhD Student (f/m)

for the topic: IKZ has excellent expertise and facilities for the characterization of low-dimensional semiconductors, among them an aberration corrected TEM/STEM equipped with in-situ holders for in situ measurements of structure under electrical bias. A computer cluster for performing STEM and molecular dynamics simulations is available. Recently we are extending our activities into the field of heterostructures between semiconductors and ferroelectric layers for nonvolatile memory applications. Such heterostructures are promising candidates to overcome the speed gap between logical and memory devices in data-communication and processing.

The objective of the thesis is to study the relation between physical and structural properties of such heterostructures study by means of atomic scale (scanning) transmission electron microscopy. This comprises the structural properties of the epitaxial grown ferroelectric layers, the structure and physics of the various interfaces as weel as in-situ studies of the ferroelectric layers under bias. The PhD work is part of a joint project that is performed in close collaboration with groups at the Paul-Drude-Institute and Leibniz-Institute for Crystal Growth, preforming growth of the structures, Humboldt-University, Berlin providing ab initio calculations and the Technical University Berlin performing scanning tunneling microscopy.

The PhD project is performed in the framework of the Leibniz Science Campus GraFox – Growth and fundamentals of oxides for electronic applications, which seizes to fuse the excellent individual activities and competences in Berlin on one of the most prospective material systems for future electronic and (renewable) energy applications. Through collaborative research and publications we aim to establish an internationally renowned key region in Berlin.

Details can be found on http://grafox.pdi-berlin.de.

Applicants should hold a Diploma or an MSc degree in physics, crystallography, materials science or a related discipline with a strong experimental background. Excellent knowledge of basic physics and of solid state physics are necessary. Expertise in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and image simulation are highly desirable. We are looking for a team player with a high level of communication skills and the assertiveness to work in a highly motivated team of researchers and technicians.

For information about the project contact:
Dr. Martin Albrecht, martin.albrecht@ikz-berlin.de, Phone +49 30 6392 3094.

The employment will be limited to three years and paid according to the TVöD Bund – Treaty for German public service – (75 %). Among equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to disabled candidates. The IKZ is an equal opportunity employer and actively supports reconciliation of work and family life.

We await your informative application with reference to the job number K08/18, including the usual documents, by April 3^th, 2018. Please send them to Ms Ruthenberg: personal@ikz-berlin.de