We are hiring
Optical excitations in organic and inorganic semiconductors (OPTEXC) -
Understanding and control through external stimuli
funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG)
invites applications from outstanding candidates of all nationalities for 10 positions for Doctoral Researchers, m/f/d (TV-L E13, 75% or corresponding PhD stipend), starting from March 2025. The positions are fixed term contracts of at least 3 years duration.
IRTG OPTEXC conducts research in close collaboration between scientists at University of Bayreuth, Germany and the University of Melbourne and Monash University, Australia on how the optoelectronic properties of semiconductors, notably the nature of their photoexcitations, can be tailored by employing external stimuli such as local fields. In this IRTG, you will be part of an international and diverse team working on both, organic and inorganic semiconductors, in order to develop a general understanding of the effects of external stimuli on the photophysical properties of these types of semiconductors. This research program includes experimental and theoretical physics as well as synthetic organic chemistry, physical and theoretical chemistry for structure and function elucidation, and applications in optoelectronic devices. A research stay of one year at the respective partner university is a mandatory part of the doctoral qualification program, leading to Joint PhDs with degrees from both universities.
As part of this call, the following principal investigators at the University of Bayreuth, University of Melbourne and Monash University will be recruiting doctoral researchers:
University of Bayreuth
- Prof Anna Köhler (Experimental Physics)
- Prof Johannes C. Brendel (Chemistry)
- Prof Georg Herink (Experimental Physics)
- Prof Eva M. Herzig (Experimental Physics)
- Prof Jürgen Köhler (Experimental Physics)
- Prof Stephan Kümmel (Theoretical Physics)
- Prof Markus Lippitz (Experimental Physics)
- Prof Harald Oberhofer (Physics)
- Prof Markus Retsch (Chemistry)
- Prof Mukundan Thelakkat (Chemistry)
University of Melbourne
- Prof Paul Mulvaney (Chemistry)
- Prof David Jones (Chemistry)
- Prof Trevor Smith (Chemistry)
Monash University
- Prof Christopher McNeill (Materials Science and Engineering)
- Prof Udo Bach (Chemical Engineering)
- Dr Alison M. Funston (Chemistry)
- Prof Jacek J. Jasieniak (Materials Science and Engineering)
Successful candidates for the positions will pursue research projects under the guidance of these scientists together with colleagues from the respective partner university. Structured mentoring and training including summer schools, transferable skills workshops and opportunities to present the work at international conferences will prepare them for careers as scientists in academia or industry.
Qualification requirements
- M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry or a related discipline, which qualifies to enter doctoral studies in Germany.
- High motivation for interdisciplinary research.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as a part of a team.
- The willingness to spend 12 months at the partner university in Bayreuth, Melbourne or Monash
- For those aiming for Melbourne or Monash as main university (i.e. 2 years Australia, 1 year Bayreuth), note that only Students with Australian or New Zealand Citizenship or permanent residence in Australia can be accepted
- Strong communication skills and fluency in English, both written and spoken.
- Previous research experience in a topic related to OPTEXC, e.g. in form of a Master’s research thesis, is welcome.
Application process:
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- A cover letter outlining your research interests, your motivation for joining IRTG OPTEXC, and your preferred research group from the colleagues listed above.
- A detailed CV, including publications/presentations & extracurricular activities.
- Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Copy of your final high school certificate or equivalent
- Contact information for at least two academic referees.
Please send your application before January 7, 2025 as a single PDF file of less than 10 MB to application.optexc@uni-bayreuth.de
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in person or via zoom.
Late applications are considered until all positions are filled.