Are you passionate about cutting-edge fundamental research on molecular and 2D materials
heterostructures? Are you looking topursue your PhD in an excellent, interdisciplinary research environment at a leading German university? If so, we invite you to apply!

The newly established Collaborative Research Center CRC 1772 "mol2Dmat" investigates
novel collective states and quantum phenomena in heterostructures of molecules and two-
dimensional materials. Our interdisciplinary consortium brings together 20 research groups
from Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin,
and the Max Planck Institute in Hamburg. Our work combines physics, chemistry, and
materials science - pushing the frontiers of quantum materials research.

The overarching goal of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1772 is to explore and
harness previously inaccessible collective phenomena and ground states in heterostructures
of molecules and two-dimensional materials. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are atomically
thin crystals that may be stacked into heterostructures with new and totally unexpected
properties. CRC 1772 takes this to the next level by creating and studying heterostructures of
organic and inorganic molecules encapsulated inside 2D materials.

As a PhD Student, you will become part of an excellent scientific network and benefit from
our structured, interdisciplinary graduate program, which includes tailored training,
workshops, retreats, and conference travel. You will have access to cutting edge
laboratories, individual supervision, and a wide range of development opportunities. We are
committed to family and academic life being compatible and promoting diversity and equal
opportunity through a variety of support measures.

We offer 7 PhD positions at the Department of Physics at Freie Universität Berlin starting
October 1, 2025, in one of the following projects:

Job description:
Contribute to research and scientific outreach in one of the following projects. Please,
indicate your interest in one (or two) research projects as part of your application:

A0l - Collective excited states in molecular lattices (Prof. Reich)

• Growth of highly ordered molecular layers (phtalocyanine, costum-synthesized dyes) on
  hBN, graphene, and transition meta! dichalcogenides
• Study of the emerging collective excitations by Raman scattering, linear optical
  spectroscopy, and near-field microscopy

A04 - Polaritons in mol2Dmat heterostructures (Dr. Kusch)

• Exploration of hybrid light-matter coupling between molecular films and van der Waals mate
  rials, with the aim of tailoring their optical and polaritonic properties
• Near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) and spectroscopy (TERS/TEPL) supported by
  linear far-field spectroscopy, including Raman scattering and photoluminescence

BOl - The interplay between charge transfer and excitons in mol2Dmat heterostructures
(Prof. Bolotin, 2 positions)

• Nanofabrication of transistor-type devices where a two-dimensional material is
  functionalized with donor and acceptor molecules on both sides .
• Study of intra- and interlayer excitons as well as their condensation into a collective state via
  optical spectroscopies and electron transport

B03 - Atomic-scale investigations of charge transfer and excitonic states in mol2Dmat
heterostructures (Prof. Franke)

• Investigation of charge transfer and charge transfer excitons induced by molecular
  adsorbates on 2D materials with atomic-scale prec1s1on
• Low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, atomic-force microscopy
  under ultra-high vacuum conditions (experience in these techniques is required)

B04 - Charge-transfer excitons and transient electronic structure at mol2Dmat interfaces
(Prof. Weinelt)

• Study ultrafast carrier dynamics in 2D charge density wave systems by femtosecond pump-
  probe photoelectron spectroscopy to identify candidates for excitonic insulators
• Doping of the above materials by adsorption of molecular donors and/or acceptors to tune
  correlation and dynamic response and stabilize charge transfer excitons

C05 - One-dimensional molecular chains through nanotubes (Dr. Setaro)

• Realization of one-dimensional molecular assemblies through carbon and boron nitride
  nanotubes
• Physico-chemical methods for the growth and characterization of the molecular-tubes
  heterostructures, optical spectroscopies for the investigation of the molecule-molecule and
  molecule-tube interactions.

(Professional) Experience:
Experimental expertise in research on solid-state or molecular physics.

Desirable:

• Excellent Master degree with courses in solid-state and molecular physics or closely related
  fields.
• research expertise of several months (e.g., during a Master thesis). Ideally, the experimental
  methods in your command align with the research direction of the project you are interested
  in.
• Excellent command of written and oral English (B2).
• Experience in the presentation of scientific results in written and oral forms, e.g., during
  seminar presentation and as a written manuscript.
• Dedication towards scientific work. high motivation for pursuing a PhD thesis.

We are interested in a diverse research community and particularly encourage members of
underrepresented groups to apply.

Your application should include a cover letter, your CV, a copy/scan of your degree and
course transcripts. Please name one (or at most two) projects you are particularly interested
in and explain why your academic and research expertise prepared you for this research
direction.

For further information, please contact Frau Prof. Stephanie Reich and colleagues
( office@crc1772.de / 030 - 838 63593).

Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents, indicating the
reference code, no later than August 14th, 2025 in PDF format (preferably as one
document) to Frau Prof. Stephanie Reich (Spokesperson of SFB 1772):
applications@crc1772.de or postal to

Prof. Stephanie Reich (Sprecherin des SFB 1772)
Arnimallee 14

With an electronic application, you acknowledge that FU Berlin saves and processes your
data. FU Berlin cannot guarantee the security of your personal data if you send your
application over an unencrypted connection.

Freie Universität Berlin is an equal opportunity employer.