Paul Drude Institute for Solid State Electronics (PDI), Berlin

About the position

The Paul-Drude-Institut für Festkörperelektronik (PDI) has a long-standing expertise in the design, growth, fabrication, and investigation of terahertz quantum-cascade lasers (THz QCLs) for high-resolution spectroscopy. Within the framework of the priority program INtegrated TERahErtz sySTems Enabling Novel Functionality (INTEREST) funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), terahertz injection locking of QCLs using modified uni-travelling carrier photodiodes (MUTC-PDs) will be developed in cooperation with the Universität Duisburg-Essen and the "Institute of Optical Sensor Systems" of the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), Berlin. The PhD candidate will spend one half of the 3 years period at the PDI investigating the physics and technology of QCLs and the second half at the DLR for the development and implementation of high-resolution gas spectroscopy. The PhD candidate will be scientifically supervised by Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Heinz-Wilhelm Hübers from the physics institute of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

Your responsibilities

• Development of QCLs (active regions) emitting in the range from 2 to 5 THz
• Optimization of resonator structures
• Contribution to the understanding of the physical processes in the active media
• Experimental investigation of the characteristics of the quantum-cascade devices
• Evaluate the properties of the emission from the injection-locked QCL
• Demonstrate the performance of injection-locked QCLs for high-resolution gas spectroscopy

Your profile

• MSc in experimental physics
• Background in semiconductor physics
• Interest in at least one of the following scientific fields:
  quantum transport in nanostructures,semiconductor technology, or THz spectroscopy
• Good communication skills and the spirit to work in an interdisciplinary team

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 (if you dont have a students ticket)
• Possibility to participate in professional development and/or exchange programs

Position and salary

This position is available immediately and is limited to a 3-year period.

Salary and benefits are according to the Treaty for German public service (TVöD Bund) to a level of E13 with 75% working time.

An annual basic salary plus and annual bonuses based on TVöD Bund are possible.

About PDI

The Paul-Drude-Institut is part of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. and a 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.

In the Semiconductor Spectroscopy department at PDI, a dedicated team of scientists, technicians, postdocs, and students investigate complex device structures such as THz lasers, UV light emitters and polariton cavity structures for quantum technology. The core competence is the fundamental study of electronic, magnetic, photonic and phononic (transport) properties of novel materials and nanostructures. This in-house collaborative environment offers abundant opportunities for both direct and indirect learning in various technologies, making it an ideal place to start a career in the field.

For scientific information about the project, please contact Dr. Xiang Lü (lue(at)pdi-berlin.de).

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. Among equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to candidates from marginalized groups. 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.

How to apply

Please upload your application by Oktober 31, 2025.

Your documents should include

• a dedicated cover letter
• CV
• diploma(s) and transcript(s)
• publication list
• letter(s) of recommendation/contact information of references.