Doctoral candidate in physics (26-94-7A)

The art of measurement — made in Germany. Striving to perfect it is the mission of the 2,100 employees of PTB, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. As Germany’s national metrology institute and a leading center of research, we operate in an international environment to develop world-class measurement standards. We at PTB work to ensure that people and organizations can trust the measurements they use.

At Berlin-Adlershof site, we are looking to fill the following position in Department 7.1 (Radiometry with Synchrotron Radiation):

Doctoral candidate

in physics

Remuneration Group 13 TVöD Bund ○ Three-year fixed term ○ Part-time (33.15 hours/week)

Your tasks:

Working Group 7.14 ‘EUV Nanometrology’, focuses on the development of new measurement and analysis techniques based on synchrotron radiation for the characterisation of coating systems and nanostructured surfaces, particularly for applications in the semiconductor industry. The aim is to determine optical properties and nanoscale structures with sub-nanometre accuracy.

As part of a research consortium involving participants from the European semiconductor industry, existing EUV measurement methods are to be further developed and optimised for the analysis of complex nanostructured surfaces. A particular focus is on improving the characterisation of the three-dimensional structure of EUV photomasks through the use of polarisation-sensitive EUV scatterometry.

Your activities will include:

• Prepare, conducte and analyse results of experiments on various beamlines at BESSYII
• Further developing analytical methods and numerical data analysis for complex 3D nanostructures on EUV photomasks
• Develop expertise in modern statistical methods for the development of digital twins of the actual experiments
• Design and implement innovative measurement strategies to enhance sensitivity and minimize measurement uncertainties.
• Contribute to research activities within European third-party funded projects in the optics and semiconductor sectors, including experimental investigations, data analysis, and dissemination of results
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications

Your profile:

• A university degree (Diploma/Master’s) in Physics or a related subject, ideally with a specialization in solid-state or surface physics
• Experimental experience with synchrotron radiation is an advantage
• Good knowledge of modern scripting languages (e.g. Python, MATLAB) and an interest in familiarizing yourself with HPC systems
• You are a strong team player with excellent communication skills
• You have achieved B2 level in German and English
• You are willing to travel for work both in Germany and abroad

We offer:

You can find an overview of our benefits on our careers page.

This is important to us:

PTB promotes gender equality and strongly encourages applications from female candidates. At the same time, we strive to reflect the diversity of our society. We therefore welcome every application submitted, regardless of the candidate’s gender, cultural or social background, religion, ideology or sexual identity. If equally suited to the position, disabled persons or persons having equivalent status under German law will be given preference.

Your application:

For subject-related questions concerning this position, please contact Department 7.1:

Dr. Analia Fernandez Herrero, phone: +49 30 3481-5732,

email: [email protected].

We look forward to receiving your application by 13 July 2026 under Ref. No. 26-94-7A. Please click on the following button: ONLINE BEWERBEN. This will directly lead you to our application portal where you can upload your documents (CV, certificates, Cover letter). Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications sent via email. With your application you accept the data protection regulations.