Research associate Jobs in Bad Lauchstädt

The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale) is a methodologically oriented Fraunhofer Institute, specialising in the disciplines of materials science and materials engineering. Our core competence is the use of microstructure diagnostics to improve materials and processes with the aim of creating sustainable and long-term stable materials, components and systems with new combinations of properties.

The business unit »Optical Materials and Technologies« specializes in the microstructure-based development of optical materials and components as well as the improvement of laser-based material processing methods. Through advanced nano- and surface analytics, we gain deep insights into the microstructure of materials, which enables the precise adjustment of microstructure-property relationships and shortening of development cycles. A state-of-the-art, double aberration-corrected and monochromatized analytical TEM / STEM is currently being installed at the Fraunhofer IMWS. This opens up new perspectives in electron energy loss spectroscopy (XEELS), enabling - among other things - the determination of pair distribution functions (based on EXELFS) with nanometer resolution, as well as high-loss EELS.

In order to successfully integrate these advanced technologies into the business unit's diagnostics portfolio, we are looking for a scientist with a doctorate who will contribute significantly to the further development of our analytical capabilities and thus to the future of materials science.

We look forward to receiving your application!

In this exciting position, you will take on the following challenging tasks

• Structural characterization of inorganic functional materials using high-resolution analytical electron microscopy, including the establishment of microstructure-property correlations.
• Focus on acquisition, evaluation and interpretation of experimental EELS data at the frontier of conventional EELS applications (i.e. high-loss EELS, and EXAFS / EXELFS with high spectral resolution), including the application / transfer of established evaluation routines from X-ray absorption spectroscopy to the EELS domain in collaboration with a project partner.
• Development of methods for the determination of residual stresses in amorphous, inorganic solids (e.g. via EXELFS-based determination of pair distribution functions).
• Preparation of project-specific reports and writing and presentation of scientific publications, including the presentation of project results at scientific conferences.

In addition to your doctorate in a natural science or engineering subject, you will have the following qualifications

You will work in a team with excellent expertise in micro, nano and surface analytics and can also expect the following

The position is initially limited to two years. The weekly working time is 39 hours full-time. Part-time work (30 hours per week) is also possible. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Questions about this position will be answered by :

Prof. Dr. Thomas Höche

Head of business unit »Optical Materials and Technologies«

Tel. 0049 345 5589-197

Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS

Requisition Number : 79160                Application Deadline : 05 / 18 / 2025