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About the position

Aluminium transition-metal nitrides have emerged as a family of new material that
offers significantly enhanced piezoelectricity and beyond, empowering new acoustic
and electrical functionalities.

This highly collaborative project, jointly investigated by PDI, TU Munich,
University of Münster and HTW-Berlin, is funded by DFG within the priority
programme SPP2477 "Nitrides4Future". The motivation is to realize the transition
from material synthesis to integrated devices for new nitrides, interfacing surface
acoustic waves (SAWs) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). General aims are:
- Incorporation of CMOS compatible transition metals in thin-film synthesis,
gearing towards GHz SAW excitation
- Sensoric study of the acousto-NEMS for harsh environments
- Study of the acousto-NEMS in quantum regime

You will gain comprehensive experience in SAW technology, NEMS/MEMS,
and material science. The project will prepare you for further career advancement
in both industry and academia. You will work under the guidance of experienced
scientists and be provided with cutting-edge research facility.

Your responsibilities

  • Design of interdigital transducers on new nitrides for the efficient excitation
    of high-frequency SAWs (up to 10 GHz). Fabrication of suspended
    nanomechanical structures, such as membranes.
  • Building integrated SAW-nanomechanical systems
  • Characterization and study of physical properties of the integrated devices,
    using optical, RF and scanning-probe techniques
  • Exploring sensing application
  • Communication and collaboration with partner in the project and the network

Your profile

Qualifications:

  • Master degree in physics or materials science
  • Background in solid state physics
  • Strong motivation, excellent communication and project management capability

Desirable skill set:

  • Nanofabrication
  • Optical spectroscopy
  • RF measurement
  • Proficiency in English (C1 or equivalent)
  • IT and data analysis skills

Position and salary

This is a full-time position (39 hours per week) with 3 years duration and a tentative
starting date of 01.11.2025. Salary and benefits are according to the Treaty for German
public service (TVöD Bund) to a level of E13-75%.

What we offer

  • Modern laboratories with a wide range of experimental techniques
  • Supportive environment with experts for various scientific sub-fields
  • International and culturally diverse community
  • Location in the heart of Berlin with excellent public transport connections
  • a subsidized travel ticket
  • 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
member of the Leibniz Association. 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 follow 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 by September 30, 2025 with the title of the position in the subject line. The document should include:

  • CV
  • Transcript of Master degree
  • Transcript of Bachelor degree
  • Names and contact details of two referees (optional)

For more information, please contact Dr. Mingyun Yuan (yuan@pdi-berlin.de).