Research Associate (PostDoc) - 2nd qualification period (for the initial appointment to a full professorship)

Research Center for Microperipheric Technologies

Organisation/Company Technische Universität Berlin Department Research Center for Microperipheric Technologies Research Field Engineering » Electrical engineering Physics » Quantum mechanics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 31 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 39.4 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number IV-359/26 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Reference number: IV-359/26 Published: 04.09.2026 Start date (earliest): Earliest possible, for 5 years Salary: Salary grade 13 TV-L Berliner Hochschulen
Full/Part-time: full-time; part-time employment may be possible Application deadline: 31.10.2026

We are seeking an outstanding postdoctoral researcher to help build a computational quantum-defect discovery program aimed at identifying and engineering quanum sensors that outperform today’s state-of-the-art platforms. Quantum spin defects in semiconductors, such as nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, can detect magnetic fields with extraordinary sensitivity and spatial resolution, enabling transformative applications in biotechnology, neuroscience, semiconductor metrology and quantum technologies.

The performance of these sensors is governed by material properties such as spin coherence (T₂), spin-lattice relaxation (T₁), optical readout contrast (C), charge-state stability and defect density. Despite remarkable progress, existing platforms operate well below the theoretical limits achievable for their material class.

A central goal of the project is the development of a next-generation computational discovery platform capable of predicting quantum-sensor performance directly from atomic-scale struc‐ structure. The platform will combine first-principles simulation and machine learning into an automated workflow for predicting quantum-sensor performance, accelerating materials screening and designing new host–defect systems.

Using this platform, the postdoctoral researcher will explore and optimize quantum defects across diamond, silicon carbide, boron nitride, molecular spin systems and other emerging

Faculty IV - Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Institute of High- Frequency and Semiconductor System Technologies / Semiconductor components and microelectronic systems

Requirements

Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Physics » Applied physics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Engineering » Electrical engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Physics » Condensed matter properties Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Physics » Chemical physics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Physics » Computational physics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Successfully completed university degree (Master, Diplom or equivalent) and PhD, or equivalent, in Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Condensed Matter Physics, Physical Chemistry, Computational Physics or a related field.

Strong background in first-principles computational materials science including DFT simulations using tools such as Quantum ESPRESSO, VASP, GPAW, CP2K or related packages.

Research experience in at least two of the following areas:

• a) Spin physics of point defects in semiconductors, including spin-phonon coupling, zero-field splitting, hyperfine interactions or spin relaxation and coherence.
• b) Multi-scale simulation methods such as DFPT, EPW, molecular dynamics, cluster correlati‑ on expansion (CCE), constrained DFT, DMFT, QMC or related approaches.
• c) Quantum chemistry methods (CASSCF, multi-reference CI) for excited‑state calculations of point defects.
• d) Machine learning for scientific discovery, materials informatics or AI‑assisted materials de‑sign.

Evidence of independent, high-quality research and publication.

Strong programming skills (Python, Fortran, C/C++ or related languages).

The ability to teach in German and/or in English is required; willingness to acquire the respective missing language skills.

Experience with high-performance computing and workflow automation is desirable.
Strong communication, leadership and collaborative skills is desirable.

Specific Requirements

Your responsibility

• Develop and validate a first‑principles and AI‑enabled computational platform for predicting quantum‑sensor performance from atomic‑scale defect structure.
• Develop workflows that connect defect‑level materials properties to experimentally relevant sensor performance metrics.
• Create machine‑learning methods for accelerated exploration of large quantum‑material

design spaces.

• Perform high‑throughput screening and optimization of host‑defect systems for quantum

sensing.

• Apply the platform to biomedical and quantum‑technology sensing challenges.
• Collaborate closely with experimental researchers in materials growth, device fabrication,

quantum characterization and biomedical sensing.

• Publish high‑impact research and present results at leading international conferences.
• Participation in teaching, advising students

Languages GERMAN Level Good

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Physics » Quantum mechanicsPhysics » Chemical physics

Additional Information

A young, ambitious and highly international research team with a collaborative culture.
Freedom to shape an emerging research direction at the intersection of quantum sensing, computational materials discovery and scientific AI.
Opportunity to build a computational platform with broad impact across quantum sensing and quantum technologies.
Access to state‑of‑the‑art high‑performance computing resources.
Close collaborations with leading research groups at Berlin Quantum Group, TU Delft, Institute of Neuroinformatics Zurich, EPFL Lausanne, UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Exposure to a multidisciplinary program spanning quantum sensing, materials discovery, biomedical technology and scientific AI.

Additional comments

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To ensure equal opportunities between women and men, applications by women with the required qualifications are explicitly desired. Qualified individuals with disabilities will be favored. The TU Berlin values the diversity of its members and is committed to the goals of equal opportunities. Applications from people of all nationalities and with a migration background are very welcome.