The Department of Physical Chemistry, led by Prof. Martin Wolf, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our group working on Ultrafast Core-Level Spectroscopy of strongly correlated and 2D van der Waals materials, in collaboration with Prof. Jens Biegert (ICFO, Barcelona).

The successful candidate will explore ultrafast phase transitions, Mott physics, and coupled electron–lattice dynamics in correlated materials employing our newly developed lab-based time-resolved soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (tr-XAS) beamline. The position offers the opportunity to play a leading role in designing and performing time-resolved experiments, analyzing spectroscopic data, and interpreting results in close collaboration with theoretical partners.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Conduct time-resolved soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (tr-XAS) and develop novel applications for emerging solid-state materials.
• Study photoinduced ultrafast phase transitions.
• Explore electron–phonon coupling and phonon-assisted optical processes.
• Investigate femtosecond structural and electronic dynamics in quantum materials and 2D van der Waals systems.
• Have the possibility to develop and perform liquid-jet tr-XAS experiments.

This position offers the opportunity to conduct pioneering research addressing fundamental questions in condensed phase systems.

• Successfully completed PhD degree in physics or a related subject.
• Research experience with advanced ultrafast pump–probe X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
• Strong background in solid state physics, many-body physics and electron correlation phenomena.
• Research experience with strongly correlated systems or 2D van der Waals materials.
• Excellent communication skills, and in particular good command of the English language.
• Programming skills: Python, MATLAB, Wolfram Mathematica, EPICS etc.

In addition, experience in the following areas is advantageous:

• Experience with X-ray beamline instrumentation.
• Experience in simulating X-ray absorption spectra (e.g., Finite Difference Method Near Edge Structure - FDMNES)
• Experience with density functional theory (DFT) calculations (e.g., Quantum ESPRESSO, Elk Code).

Please submit your application via our online application portal as soon as possible including the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Names and email addresses of three references.

Applications will be accepted from immediately until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Ugaitz Elu ( elu@fhi.mpg.de ) or Prof. Martin Wolf ( wolf@fhi-berlin.mpg.de )

Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin

The Max Planck Society endeavors to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the participation of women in research. Therefore, applications by women are particularly welcome. The Max Planck Society is also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

The Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) is located in the quiet south-west of Germany’s capital Berlin, which is a large, tolerant, and cosmopolitan city. Berlin offers a wide variety of culture, art, music, and outdoor opportunities.