Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) in "Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy: Advanced Characterization of Polar Textures in Ferroelectric Films and Nanostructures"

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) in "Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy: Advanced Characterization of Polar Textures in Ferroelectric Films and Nanostructures" Reference No.: QM 2025/11 In the Institute IFOX at HZB, we work on functional oxide thin films and nanostructures combined with semiconductors for energy-efficient information technology. You will work in the framework of the ERC Advanced Grant project LUCIOLE (Layering, Understanding, Controlling and Integrating Ferroelectric Polar Textures on Silicon). The overarching objective is to understand the polar textures created on silicon by combining advanced state-of-the-art correlative microscopies and spectroscopies at the nanoscale. You will be dedicated to aberration-corrected TEM/STEM studies. You will access state-of-the-art microscopes, such as the Nion HERMES STEM, in the group of Prof. Christoph Koch at the Humboldt University of Berlin, as well as dedicated high-end software packages for data analysis. You will work in an international team and interact closely with the PhD and postdoctoral scientists involved in the ERC project. Your Tasks * FIB lamella preparation * High resolution imaging by aberration corrected STEM of ferroelectric heterostructures and nanostructures * Study of the strain in the ferroelectric heterostructures * Mapping at unit cell scale of ferroelectric polarization and electrical field pattern * Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) * Operando STEM experiments * Interaction with collaborators * Presentation at international conferences and scientific publications Your Profile * PhD in Materials Science, Physics or Chemistry * A minimum of three-year experience in aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and in atomic-resolution imaging * Knowledge of data analytics and image processing to quantify electron microscopy imaging and spectral data sets * Previous postdoctoral experience is highly preferred * Good written and spoken English * Excellent teamwork skills Your Benefits at HZB * Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers * Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working environment, promotion of diversity sensitivity and implementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods * Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from the HZB Graduate Centre and HZB Postdoc Office * Attractive remuneration through payment according to Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD Bund) * 30 days holiday/year * Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programmes * Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, part-time, hybrid working * And a team that is looking forward to meeting you! Fixed term contract for 24 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund). How to apply The following documents must be provided for your application: * Letter of application: Please explain how you meet the requirements * Curriculum Vitae * List of publications * Copies of diploma and grades with English translation * Name of 2 potential reviewers We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by04.07.2025. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by any other means (such as email or mail) in the application process. We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities. Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin www.helmholtz-berlin.de ➜ APPLY HERE! Climate change poses serious challenges to the whole world. At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, we are researching materials for a climate-neutral future. 1200 employees from all over the world are working together at HZB towards this goal. Join us, and help us achieve it! Learn more about HZB on our website . Follow us on our social media channels LinkedIn , X , Instagram , or visit our YouTube channel . CONTACT Catherine Dubourdieu +49 (0)30 8062 – 42868 catherine.dubourdieu@helmholtz-berlin.de IMPRINT &DATA PROTECTION