PhD student (m/f/d) - “Light-Matter-Interaction at Interfaces” (LiMatI)

The Max-Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI) conducts basic research in the field of nonlinear optics and ultrafast dynamics arising from the interaction of light with matter and pursues applications that emerge from this research. It develops and uses ultra-fast and ultra-intense lasers and laser-driven short-pulse light sources in a broad spectral range in combination with methods of nonlinear spectroscopy. With its research, MBI fulfils a national mission and is an integral part of the international scientific community.

MBI invites applications for

1 PhD student (m/f/d)

for the experimental investigation of ultrafast light-induced structural dynamics in doped metal halide perovskites as part of the DFG Collaborative Research Centre SFB/CRC 1477 “Light-Matter-Interaction at Interfaces” (LiMatI).

Job profile:

We seek a highly motivated PhD student for experimental work on ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) of lead-free doped metal halide perovskites. The project aims to directly resolve the structural dynamics accompanying exciton dynamics and to determine how doping, morphology, excitation wavelength and temperature influence these their structural dynamics.

The work will use the state-of-the-art 90 keV UED instrument at MBI, Berlin (see DOI:10.1063/4.0000256 and arXiv:2601.02055), including radiofrequency compressed electron pulses with ~100 fs temporal resolution (see arXiv:2601.02597) as confirmed by THz streaking (see arXiv:2601.02333), high-sensitivity direct electron detection, and tunable optical excitation. A tunable optical parametric amplifier and harmonic generation provide microjoule-level pulses spanning the ultraviolet and visible spectral range, enabling tunable excitation under a broad range of conditions relevant to perovskite nanostructures.

This project is embedded in the CRC research environment and includes close collaboration with colleagues in Berlin and Universität Rostock on nanocrystal synthesis, thin-film preparation, transient absorption spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence, modelling, and complementary steady-state optical and electron spectroscopies. Complementary MeV-UED measurements at major international facilities are also envisioned as part of the project.

The successful candidate will perform pump-probe UED measurements, design and implement cryocooling of samples down to ~20 K, analyse diffraction data, and contribute to joint studies aimed at establishing a complete microscopic picture of the structure and dynamics of these class of materials.

Requirements:

Applicants must hold a Master’s or Diploma degree in physics, with very good knowledge in solid-state physics being essential. Prior experience in ultrafast electron diffraction, microscopy, ultrafast laser physics and/or working with high vacuum equipment is desirable. Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English are required.

Offer:

The position available from 1 July 2026 and is initially limited to 3 years. The payment will be according to the German TVöD salary scheme for scientists in public research institutions (75% for PhD students).

The MBI promotes an equity-based workplace and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. If equally qualified, applicants with a disability will be given preference (Schwerbehinderung nach Sozialgesetzbuch IX).

The MBI supports the reconcilability of family and working life and is certified by the audit workandfamily (audit berufundfamilie) as family-friendly. MBI is committed to a diverse, prejudice-aware working environment. The MBI follows the “Charta of Diversity” (Charta der Vielfalt) and implements the Diversity and Inclusion strategy as set up by the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V..

Please upload your application, including cover letter (specifying why you are interested in the position), curriculum vitae, certificates and description of previous professional activities electronically via the MBI online recruiting platform at https://mbi-berlin.de/career. Official supervision will be given by Dr. Kasra Amini at MBI with affiliation to the physics department of Freie Universität Berlin. The application deadline is June 30, 2026. For further information about this project, please contact Dr. Kasra Amini (kasra.amini@mbi-berlin.de).
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