Planar Carbon Lattices

Open Positions

Our Research Training Group "Planar Carbon Lattices" (RTG2861-PCL) offers 14 positions as Doctoral Researcher / PhD student, starting 1^st of October 2025 and comprising 75 % of the full-time weekly hours. The employment contract is initially limited to 30 months (2.5 years), with the option of extension to a total of 36 months (3 years) subject to the availability of resources.

RTG2861-PCL is a collaboration between Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) and Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), and is funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Our goal is to achieve atomic-precision synthesis and exploration of new planar carbon lattices (PCLs) for next-generation quantum materials, functional precision membranes, optoelectronic and electrochemical devices, by employing advanced experimental and theoretical methods in an interdisciplinary approach bridging synthetic chemistry, condensed-matter physics, and materials science. Our research encompasses the three research areas of New approaches in precision synthesis of PCL (A), PCLs’ properties and functions (B), and Experimental and theoretical tools for their description (C).

General requirements for the applicants

• Very good university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, or materials sciences; Specialization in synthetic chemistry, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry/physics, condensed-matter physics or nanosciences;
  
• Excellent results on individual performance criteria (e.g., manuscript/publication resulting from Master thesis, awards) and timely completion of higher education;
• Strong motivation to independently conduct research and to work in interdisciplinary collaborations;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in the English language;
• One-page motivation letter specifying your reasons for joining our team and which of the announced projects/topics from the list below you are most interested in and why.

We expressly encourage women to apply and we welcome applications from candidates with disabilities.

List of projects/topics and offered positions

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-A1 (PI: Prof. Dr. Xinliang Feng, TUD)
  Thesis Topic: Development of 2D c-MOF monolayers with unique spin-related properties]
  Specific requirements: Experience with synthesis of conjugated molecules and 2D MOFs or construction of vdW heterostructures and the related devices for investigating transport and magnetic properties.
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-A2 (PI: Prof. Dr. Xinliang Feng, TUD)
  Thesis Topic: Synthetic development of topological and chiral GNRs
  Specific requirements: Expertise in the bottom-up organic/polymer synthesis and characterization of large aromatic compounds, graphene molecules and nanoribbons.
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-A4 (PI: Prof. Dr. Stefan Kaskel, TUD)
  Thesis Topic: Microstructured PCL-based electroadsorption devices
  Specific requirements: Expertise in advanced synthesis of organic and inorganic materials. The candidate is expected to have expertise or quickly become familiar with powder X-ray diffraction, SEM and electrochemical characterization techniques.
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-B2 (PI: Prof. Dr. Thomas Heine, TUD)
  Thesis Topic: Impact of surface interactions on deposited carbon lattices
  Specific requirements: Experience in theoretical chemistry or theoretical physics (solid state), electronic structure calculations, scientific computing and solid background in mathematics.
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-C1 (PI: Prof. Dr. Eike Brunner, TUD)
  Thesis Topic: In situ NMR of probes for surface characterization
  Specific requirements: Strong interest and background in physical chemistry, desirable would be experience with analytical techniques, especially spectroscopy.
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-C2 (PI: Dr. Dorothea Golze, TUD)
  Thesis Topic: Extension of the GW+C approach to materials
  Specific requirements: We are looking for a motivated candidate, preferentially with theoretical background and strong interest in electronic-structure theory and code development. Basic programming skills are expected.
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-C5 (PI: Prof. Dr. Ines Weidinger, TUD)
  Thesis Topic: Understanding the electrochemical interface of PCL
  Specific requirements: Experience in electrochemistry and/or vibrational spectroscopy would be desirable.
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-A3 (PI: Prof. Dr. Andreas Hirsch, FAU)
  Thesis Topic: TBA
  Specific requirements: TBA
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-A5 (PI: Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Steinrück, FAU)
  Thesis Topic: Local reactivity of pre-patterned PCLs
  Specific requirements: Experience in/with ultrahigh vacuum-based surface science, scanning tunneling microscopy and or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-B1 (PI: Prof. Dr. Marcus Halik, FAU)
  Thesis Topic: SAM-PCL heterojunctions – control of interlayer “communication”
  Specific requirements: Experience in/with semiconductor processing (PVD, CVD, lithography) and electrical characterization of devices.
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-B3 (PI: Prof. Dr. Sabine Maier, FAU)
  Thesis Topic: On-surface synthesis and electronic structure of 2D PCLs
  Specific requirements: Interest in surface physics/chemistry and high-resolution low-temperature scanning probe microscopy and spectroscopy
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-B4 (PI: Prof. Dr. Heiko Weber, FAU)
  Thesis Topic: TBA
  Specific requirements: TBA
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-C3 (PI: Prof. Dr. Dirk Guldi, FAU)
  Thesis Topic: TBA
  Specific requirements: TBA
  

• 1 Doctoral Researcher for project RTG2861-C4 (PI: Prof. Dr. Janina Maultzsch, FAU)
  Thesis Topic: Optical signatures of moiré structures in bilayer carbon lattices
  Specific requirements: Experience with optical spectroscopy and low-dimensional materials, strong background in solid-state physics, interest in numerical simulations.
  

Recruitment and working conditions
The positions will be located in Dresden (7 positions at TUD) and in Erlangen (7 positions at FAU) - two of Germany’s most vibrant cities. The employment period will be governed by the Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (WissZeitVG). Each doctoral researcher will be recruited under an employment contract with one of the two universities and will work on an individual research project. He/she will be enrolled in a doctoral programme at TUD or FAU), and will pursue a doctoral degree. We offer:

• cutting-edge research and training in the field of advanced nanomaterials with focus on PCLs beyond the state of the art;
• a dedicated supervision concept with a dual mentoring strategy of TUD and FAU (supervisor and co-supervisor from the partner university);
• dual-site research and training facilitated by a virtual research environment (VRE) where digital classes are combined with online tools to share information and research data;
• a comprehensive qualification program incorporating hybrid lectures, weekly seminars (hybrid and on-site), lab rotations and hands-on training;
• annual summer/winter schools and complementary skills workshops;
• competitive salary (salary group E 13 TV-L).

Application
Please submit your complete application (in English or German) as a single PDF file including

• one-page motivation letter as described in the General requirements,
• curriculum vitae (CV),
• master/diploma certificate and transcript of grades (and, if available, a link to your Master’s or diploma thesis)
• names and contact details of one to two referents
  to rtg2861-pcl (at) tu-dresden.de. In the subject header of your email, please quote the reference number of the project/position you are applying for (see List of projects/topics). Please submit copies only, as your application will not be returned to you. Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed. The closing date for applications is March 17, 2025. The recruitment process will continue until the positions are filled and applications after the deadline may be also considered.

Reference to data protection:

Your data protection rights, the purpose for which your data will be processed, as well as further information about data protection is available to you on the website: https: //tu-dresden.de/karriere/datenschutzhinweis