PhD student position (f/m/d) K 20/26

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

PhD student (f/m/d)

for the topic:

“High-Performance Float Zone Crystalline Silicon for Application in Einstein Telescope”

Starting time: Immediate

The Einstein Telescope (ET) is a future gravitational-wave observatory currently under development in Europe. With its unprecedented sensitivity, it will explore the Universe with significantly greater depth and precision than current detectors, opening a new era of gravitational-wave astronomy. Due to its outstanding mechanical and thermal properties, crystalline silicon is considered the leading candidate material for the core components of the ET interferometer. However, existing silicon crystal-growth technologies cannot simultaneously meet all stringent requirements regarding crystal size, geometry, optical quality, and thermal and mechanical performance. Among available growth techniques, the Float Zone (FZ) method provides silicon crystals with the highest purity and structural perfection and is therefore the primary technology of interest for ET material baseline research. Our recently funded BMFTR project aims to investigate process-related properties of FZ silicon relevant to future ET operation.

As a PhD student, you will be involved in comprehensive experimental research including FZ silicon crystal growth, advanced material characterization, data analysis, and the identification of impurity-related mechanisms affecting the optical and mechanical properties of crystalline silicon. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop ultra-pure silicon substrates and fibres with properties enabling the performance requirements of cryogenic gravitational-wave detectors.

The host research group “FZ-Si” at IKZ has internationally recognised expertise in high-purity silicon crystal growth for advanced scientific and technological applications. The group provides a unique research environment through the close integration of crystal-growth process development with numerical modelling, growth-equipment engineering, and systematic material characterization. As a member of the international Einstein Telescope collaboration, the group contributes to ET-related materials research and development within the Research Unit Berlin. This position offers a unique opportunity for scientific exchange and collaborative experiments with leading European research groups, providing an excellent environment for successful project implementation and early-career scientific development.

Required qualifications:

• MSc degree in physics, chemistry, applied sciences, materials science, or a related discipline
• Hands-on experience in FZ silicon crystal growth
• Solid knowledge of semiconductor materials
• Good knowledge of basic characterization techniques for semiconductor materials (e.g. 4PP, MDP, µ-PCS, LPS, PL)
• Basic knowledge of core optics and suspension requirements for cryogenic gravitational-wave detectors
• Motivation and passion for scientific research
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate effectively within a team of scientists, technicians, and students
• Very good written and spoken English; basic knowledge of German is an advantage

Prior experience in the following areas is considered an asset (but is not essential):

• Hands-on experience in Czochralski or directional solidification silicon crystal growth
• Knowledge of optical and mechanical characterization techniques
• Knowledge of analytical material characterization techniques (e.g. FTIR, ICP-OES, GDMS, SIMS

What we offer
The position is limited to three years. Payment is according to TVöD Bund (E13 75%) (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.

If you want to have more information about the project, please contact us:
Dr. Iryna Buchovska (iryna.buchovska@ikz-berlin.de), Phone: +49 30 246499 406

Have we aroused your interest?
Then apply with a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and all relevant certificates. To do so, please go to Job offers/jobs on our homepage and click on this advertisement and then on "Apply online". Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

We look forward to receiving your application!