PhD student position (m/f/d) K26/24

The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ) is a leading research institution in the area of science & technology as well as service & transfer of crystalline materials. Our goal is to enable solutions for urgent societal challenges (e.g. communication, artificial intelligence, climate protection, health etc.). by modern electronic & photonic technologies. The work covers the full spectrum from basic over applied research up to pre-industrial development and is performed in collaboration with national and international partners from university, academy and industry. The institute is part of the Forschungsverbund Berlin (https://www.fv-berlin.de/) and a member of the Leibniz Association www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de. You can find more details on the institute webpage: www.ikz-berlin.de.

The SiGe-based Quantum Materials group at IKZ Berlin, Germany is offering a

 PhD student position (m/f/d)

 "Creating isotope-pure silicon/germanium heterostructures for
electronic spin qubits"

Quantum computers based on electron spin qubits in silicon are among the front-running technologies for scalable, error-corrected quantum computation. These systems promise to leverage the microelectronics industry’s expertise to integrate millions of nanoscale qubits on a single solid chip. However, their success hinges on overcoming critical unsolved materials challenges, including reduced disorder and a controllable valley splitting on a wafer scale.

As a PhD student, you will tackle these material problems by the designing isotope-pure silicon-germanium (SiGe) heterostructure via epitaxy. In particular, you will:

• Develop and implement innovative growth processes for isotope-pure ²⁸Si/²⁸Si⁷²Ge heterostructures by state-of-the-art molecular beam epitaxy
• Investigate how atomic-scale germanium concentration modulations can be realized in the quantum well layers (Wiggle Wells), engineering valley splitting and material homogeneity
• Leverage advanced in-house material characterization tools to understand and improve the nanoscale properties of your materials
• Collaborate with the leading groups in the quantum field, integrating and benchmarking your material developments in quantum devices such as SETs, qubits, and coherent spin shuttling devices (Si-QuBus)

IKZ is recognized as the provider and leading facility for the purification and crystal growth of isotope-pure semiconductor material e.g. for metrology, or cosmology and particle physics. Our research group benefits from this position and is internationally recognized for the development and distribution of isotope-pure SiGe quantum material; join us if you are a material science enthusiast with a passion for pushing boundaries in a high-impact field.

Requirements
We are looking for a candidate with strong communication skills, the assertiveness to work in an internationally positioned institute, and willing to formulate own scientific ideas and willing to help find technical solutions to plant-specific challenges. Furthermore, we expect:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, materials science or related fields 
• Solid knowledge in semiconductor materials, epitaxy, and thin film characterization (experience in any of these areas is a plus)
• Motivation and capability to do scientific work, as well as its documentation and presentation
• Proficiency in English; German skills are appreciated but not mandatory

What we offer:
The position is limited to three years, an extension for another year is possible. Payment is according to TVöD Bund (E13 75%) (Collective agreement for the public sector). The contract includes the usual social benefits (30 vacation days in a 5-day week, flexible working hours). The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung actively promotes the development of young scientists and follows the guidelines of the Leibniz Association.

The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung actively supports a healthy work-life balance and is an equal opportunities employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply and will be given preference if suitably qualified. Among equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to candidates with disabilities. IKZ promotes diversity. We welcome every qualified application, regardless of age, belief, disabilities, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation.

For information about the project please feel free to contact: 
Dr. Kevin-Peter Gradwohl, kevin-peter.gradwohl@ikz-berlin.de

Have we aroused your interest?
Then apply with a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and all relevant certificates by 31.01.2025. To do so, please go to Job offers/jobs on our homepage and click on this advertisement and then on "Apply online". Please send us your complete application documents this way.

 We look forward to receiving your application!