PhD Position - Nanoscale charge transport in electronic materials

PhD Position - Nanoscale charge transport in electronic materials for advanced nanoelectronic applications

The Quantum Nanoscience Division (PGI-3) is one of the world's leading players in the field of quantum nanoscience research. Its overarching goal is the investigation and application of quantum‑coherent functionality of nanostructures. Our research thus contributes to the foundations of new quantum technologies, in particular quantum sensor technology and quantum computing on the nanoscale. Our particular strength lies in the combination of state‑of‑the‑art experimental research methods with comprehensive expertise in the development of unique scientific devices.

Continued scaling of micro- and nanoelectronic devices places stringent requirements on the understanding of charge transport at nanometer length scales. Electrical performance of advanced electronic materials is increasingly governed by local phenomena such as disorder‑induced localization effects as well as grain boundary or interface scattering.

We are offering a PhD position focused on nanoscale charge transport in electronic material thin films, combining state‑of‑the‑art experimental tools like nanoprobers and multi-tip scanning tunneling microscopy with thin film materials research relevant for next‑generation micro- and nanoelectronic technologies. The research will be performed within a collaboration with the Belgium nanoelectronics research center IMEC (). The work will focus on spatially resolved electrical measurements, enabling direct correlation between structure and transport properties.

• Utilize a unique nanoprobing tool with SEM, AFM and STM capabilities to study samples provided by IMEC to measure the nanoscale charge transport properties on metallic as well as semiconducting (oxide) nanowires and two‑dimensional semiconductors
• Explore how defects like domain boundaries influence the charge transport properties and their variability at the nanoscale and develop measurements of nanoscale potential maps while a lateral current runs through the nanostructures using potentiometry with a multi‑tip STM/AFM
• Perform nanoscale four‑point measurements to explore the in‑plane/cross‑plane resistivity anisotropy of thin film samples and demonstrate the conductivity through 1D edge states in quantum materials using scanning tunneling potentiometry
• Complement the charge transport measurements by structural and microstructural characterization of the thin films as well as by modelling of charge transport
• Coordinate the joint research project between IMEC and FZJ and present and publish the research on an international stage

• Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, or materials science with excellent grades
• Solid background in solid‑state physics and electronic transport phenomena
• A strong interest in charge transport physics, nanoscale devices, and thin film materials
• Hands‑on experimental mindset, enthusiasm for advanced nanoscale characterization and instrumentation, and the ability to work both independently and within a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment
• Ideally, prior experience with scanning probe microscopy (AFM or STM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• Very independent and self‑motivated way of working but also excellent teamwork skills
• High motivation to take on responsibility and develop own research ideas
• Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level. Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory but certainly appreciated

You will work in a highly interdisciplinary research…