Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth (IKZ), Berlin

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

The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung is currently looking for a

Research Group Leader /Head of Electron Microscopy Group (m/f/d)

We are seeking an experienced scientist to lead and further develop the Electron Microscopy Group at IKZ, with a strong scientific focus on analytical TEM/STEM, electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS/EDX). An important requirement of the successful applicant are excellent communication skills; strong interaction with IKZ crystal growth departments to enable internationally leading science & technology developments for electronics & photonics is in the focus of the Electron Microscopy Group.

The group is embedded in the Joint Lab for Electron Microscopy Adlershof (JEMA), operated jointly by IKZ and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and in the new ERDF Application Laboratory for In-Situ Electron Microscopy (ALISE). This provides an outstanding environment for structural, analytical and in-situ electron microscopy.

The available infrastructure includes:

• a Thermo Fisher Spectra Ultra, equipped with ILIAD EELS, integrated monochromator and Ultra-X EDS detector for high-energy-resolution spectroscopy and chemical mapping;
• an aberration-corrected FEI Titan 80–300 (S)TEM with fast camera and in-situ capabilities for heating, electrical biasing and controlled gas atmospheres;
• a Helios 5 Hydra UX Plasma FIB-SEM for advanced site-specific TEM sample preparation;
• complementary 4D-STEM, SEM and cathodoluminescence capabilities available within the IKZ.

Main responsibilities

• Scientific leadership and strategic development of the Electron Microscopy Group.
• Development and application of advanced EELS and EDS/EDX spectroscopy.
• Investigation of structure–property relationships, interfaces, defects and phase formation in crystalline materials.
• Development of high-energy-resolution, low-loss and momentum-resolved EELS, including studies of electronic excitations, excitons and plasmons.
• Combination of analytical microscopy with in-situ and operando TEM approaches.
• Quantitative analysis of multidimensional microscopy and spectroscopy datasets.
• Supervision of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.
• Acquisition of national and European third-party funding and development of academic and industrial collaborations.

Requirements

• PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry or a related field.
• Excellent expertise in TEM/STEM and analytical electron microscopy.
• Strong experience in EELS, ideally including low-loss and/or high-energy-resolution spectroscopy, complemented by EDS/EDX.
• Strong background in solid-state or materials physics and electron–matter interactions.
• Experience in quantitative spectroscopy and advanced microscopy data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to develop independent research directions, supervise researchers and establish collaborations.
• Experience in acquiring competitive research funding.

Experience in momentum-resolved EELS, exciton/plasmon spectroscopy, in-situ TEM, semiconductor heterostructures, two-dimensional materials or advanced spectral data analysis would be particularly welcome.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future direction of analytical electron microscopy at IKZ and to exploit the unique combination of state-of-the-art spectroscopy, in-situ microscopy and crystal-growth expertise available through IKZ, JEMA and ALISE.

For information about the position contact:

Dr. Martin Albrecht: martin.albrecht(at)ikz-berlin.de, +49 30 246499 501.

The position is available by 2027 and its duration is limited to 2 years. Payment is according to TVöD Bund (Treaty for German public service) including the usual social benefits (30 vacation days in a 5-day week, flexible working hours).

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.

Have we aroused your interest?

Then apply with a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, all relevant certificates and references by 15.11.2026. 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!