PhD position

The Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden e. V. (IFW Dresden) conducts modern materials research on a scientific basis for the development of new and sustainable materials and technologies. The institute employs an average of 500 people from over 40 nations and, in addition to its scientific tasks, is dedicated to promoting young scientists and engineers.

The Institute for Materials Chemistry (Director: Prof. Dr. Anjana Devi) at the IFW Dresden, Germany, offers a PhD position (m/f/d) on the topic:
Precursors for transition metals and rare earth elements to be applied in ALD and MOCVD

Main Tasks:

• Synthesis and characterization of metal organic compounds for thin film fabrication using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The tasks involve ligand synthesis and complexation with transition metals and rare earth elements.
• Characterization of precursors via SC-XRD, NMR, FTIR, Mass Spectrometry, Thermal Analysis, and other analytical methods

Profile:

We are seeking highly motivated candidates (m/f/div) who hold an M.Sc. degree in inorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, or organic chemistry and are interested in conducting interdisciplinary research. Candidates should possess expertise in synthetic inorganic chemistry techniques, including, but not limited to, performing chemical synthesis under inert gas conditions (e.g., Schlenk techniques and glove box). Hands-on experience in analysing organometallic compounds using spectroscopic and spectrometric methods is essential.

We are looking for individuals with excellent skills in presenting scientific results, fluency in written and spoken English, and a strong ability to engage in collaborative research.

What do we offer:

• Employment in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L),
• A modern, well-equipped workplace on the campus of the Technische Universität Dresden,
• Flexible, family-friendly working hours,
• 30 days vacation,
• Company pension scheme (VBL),
• Benefits for job ticket/Germany ticket,
• Special annual payment,
• Capital-forming benefits,
• Company health management (back training, health day with various offers),
• Discounted sports offer from the Dresden University Sports Center,
• Further training opportunities and language courses,
• Company restaurant with a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes.

The employment contract, including remuneration, is based on the collective bargaining agreement for public service in the federal states (TV-L, EG 13 scale, 70%), with a working schedule of 28 hours per week. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional two years based on the candidate's performance. The expected start date is January 1, 2026.

IFW Dresden is committed to achieving a balanced gender ratio in all areas. In the field of science, IFW Dresden aims to increase the representation of women and therefore explicitly encourages suitably qualified female scientists to apply. Applications from individuals with disabilities are also explicitly welcomed.

Please submit your application, including the following documents in electronic form as a single PDF file: a letter of motivation describing your research career goals, a CV, relevant transcripts, training certificates, and contact details for at least two professional references. Ensure you cite the reference number , and submit your application no later than October 15, 2025
. You can send your application to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). you have further questions about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Anjana Devi