Doktorandin / Doktorand (m/w/d) · Physik (26-102-7A)

Doktorandin / Doktorand (m/w/d)
Physik

The art of measurement — made in Germany. Striving to perfect it is the mission of the 2100 employees of PTB, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. As Germany’s national metrology institute and a leading center of research, we operate in an international environment to develop world‑class measurement standards. We at PTB work to ensure that people and organizations can trust the measurements they use.

At our Berlin-Adlershof site, we are looking to fill the following position in Department 7.2 (X‑ray Metrology with Synchrotron Radiation):

Remuneration Group 13 TVöD Bund | Three-year fixed term | Part-time (33.15 hours/week)

Working Group 7.24 (X‑ray Spectrometry) carries out research in forward‑looking topics from the fields of surface analytics, nanotechnology, environmental analysis and new energy materials. As part of your doctoral research, you will contribute to a German‑Swiss basic research project aimed at precisely, quantitatively, and traceably determining various fundamental atomic parameters using a range of high‑resolution X‑ray spectroscopy techniques. This enables X‑ray analytical characterizations to be performed in order to correlate the device functionality (e.g., battery capacities) with their underlying chemical and physical material properties.

Your tasks will include the following:

• Independently planning and performing X‑ray spectrometric experiments at the storage ring BESSY II, enhancing experimental methods and characterizing the instruments used
• Analyzing and evaluating measurement data, including developing and optimizing evaluation methods and programs as well as applying the developed methods to selected metrological issues
• Examining and quantifying metrological uncertainties
• Participation in joint experiments and data evaluation together with the Swiss project partner
• Presenting and publishing your scientific research results

Your profile:

• You have completed your university studies (master’s degree or German Diplom) in the field of physics or a comparable natural science with an overall grade of “very good” or the equivalent for non‑German degrees.
• You have a keen interest in experimental physics and physical modeling.
• You possess knowledge and practical experience in one of the following fields: synchrotron radiation, X‑ray spectroscopy, atomic and molecular physics, nanotechnology and electrical engineering.
• You have good programming skills (e.g., Python, C++, Julia).
• You are a strong team player and have good communication skills.
• You have achieved B2 level in German or English.
• You are willing to travel for work both in Germany and abroad.

We offer:

• Access to state‑of-the‑art research infrastructure and high‑precision measurement technology
• A full focus on your doctoral studies — with no mandatory teaching duties
• Personalized doctoral advising and support through the PTB’s doctoral program
• Opportunities to attend academic conferences and build scientific networks at the national and international levels
• Our laboratory is located at the BESSY II large‑scale research facility of the Helmholtz Center Berlin in the Adlershof technology park. This unique research and work environment is easily accessible by public transportation.

You can find an overview of our other benefits on our careers page .

This is important to us:

PTB promotes gender equality and strongly encourages applications from female candidates. At the same time, we strive to reflect the diversity of our society. We therefore welcome every application submitted, regardless of the candidate’s gender, cultural or social background, religion, ideology or sexual identity. If equally suited to the position, disabled persons or persons having equivalent status under German law will be given preference.