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

The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung is currently looking on February 1, 2026 for a

Scientist / Postdoc (m/f/d)

for the topic:

"GeO ₂ process development and Ge crystal growth”
- Internal Job Posting -

The reduction of germanium dioxide (GeO₂) to germanium (Ge) is a critical step in the production chain of Ge semiconductor material. Ge single crystals grown by the Czochralski (Cz) technique are essential for a range of high-tech applications, including infrared optics and radiation-detection technologies. In this project, the reduction process will be established and optimised to meet industrial standards using our pre-industrial scale lab facilities. Further, Ge crystals will be grown both with and without magnetic fields using the Cz technique, enabling the production of high-quality crystals with improved uniformity and controlled material properties.

Your tasks:

• Developing stable GeO ₂ reduction process
• Optimization of the process parameters for high yield
• Thermodynamic analysis and kinetic studies (e.g. reaction rates, activation energy)
• Ge crystal growth with and without magnetic fields for high-quality crystals
• Characterisation of the processed materials and crystals

Your requirements:

• Completed academic study in materials science, physics, chemical engineering or related fields, at least a master degree
• Experience in semiconductor materials processing
• Experience with the Cz-growth of Ge/Si semiconductor crystals
• Knowledge of measurement techniques and data analyses
• Experience in advanced process control is beneficial

What we offer
The position is limited until December 31, 2026. Payment is according to TVöD Bund (E13) (Collective agreement for the public sector). The contract includes the usual social benefits (30 vacation days in a 5-day week, flexible working hours). The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung actively promotes the development of young scientists and follows the guidelines of the Leibniz Association.

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.

For information about the project please feel free to contact:
Dr. Radhakrishnan Sumathi (radhakrishnan.sumathi@ikz-berlin.de)

Have we aroused your interest?
Then apply with a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and all relevant certificates by 16.12.2025 . To do so, please go to Job offers/jobs on our homepage and click on this advertisement and then on "Apply online" .

We look forward to receiving your application!