The Leibniz Institute of Photonics Technology (Leibniz IPHT) offers the following part-time position (max. 75%) in the  Research Department Nanooptics, starting from February 1, 2026 or at the earliest possible date:

PhD candidate (m/f/d)

The position is initially limited to a period of 3 years. An extension will be sought if suitable.

The Leibniz-IPHT is a university independent research institute with close connection to the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena and member of the Leibniz association.

Join the International Research Training Group (IRTG) META-ACTIVE, supported by the DFG, and become part of a dynamic scientific network featuring accomplished researchers and motivated doctoral students. This collaborative environment focuses on individual projects within META-ACTIVE’s broader thematic scope. Beyond research, doctoral candidates benefit from specialized courses and tailored training, helping them develop essential academic skills for a successful career.

META-ACTIVE offers an exceptional doctoral education in advanced photonics, preparing graduates for promising careers in both industry and academia. PhD students will receive training at two leading institutions in meta-optics located in Australia and Germany. The program includes one year in Australia and a dual PhD degree awarded by both universities (Australian National University (ANU) & Friedrich-Schiller-University-Jena (FSU)). Designed as a three-year program, it combines top-tier training, an enriching qualification framework, and access to a strong research network and support system.

The position is for subproject C1 in Pillar C of META-ACTIVE (more information: https://www.meta-active.uni-jena.de). The project aims to achieve three key objectives: (1) the preparation and detection of chiral samples using the developed 3D spiral structures; (2) the development of wafer-scale photo-switchable dielectric metasurfaces for chiral light manipulation; (3) directional guiding of optical waves at metal-dielectric interfaces via surface plasmons. The metasurfaces will be prepared by two-photon nanoprinting, nanoimprinting, or cleanroom-based nanofabrication, using phase-changing materials like Sb2S3 and Sb2Se3. A PhD student, co-supervised by Prof. Hoe Tan at ANU, will spend one year in Canberra for cleanroom fabrication. Optical experiments will be performed on the fabricated structures to assess their functionality.

Job description:

• Performing numerical simulations, nanofabrication, optical characterization, etc. for the research project
• Presenting research results in conferences (> 1 oral presentation/year) and publishing papers in reputed journals
• Exchange stays of at least 12 months (cumulative) at ANU in Canberra in Australia
• Fulfilling the requirements for a doctoral degree at both ANU and FSU

Your qualifications:

• Master’s degree or the equivalent in physics, chemistry, optics, material sciences, or related fields

Desired knowledge and skills:

• The candidate MUST have hands-on experiences in at least one of the following: <i> electromagnetic simulations (FDTD or COMSOL); <ii> nanofabrication (EBL or FIB); <iii> absorption/emission/scattering spectroscopy; <iv> laser microscopy
• Practical experience in MATLAB, LabView, or other languages
• Good English communication and writing skills
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate with interdisciplinary scientists
• Willingness to actively participate in the discussion in group meetings
• A strong background in physical chemistry

We offer:

• An open welcoming culture and an inclusive and interdisciplinary working environment: Located on the Beutenberg campus in Jena, Leibniz-IPHT is home to more than 400 employees from around the world working at the interface of physics, biochemistry, technology, data science and medicine to develop the photonic technologies of tomorrow.
• World-class equipment and facilities: Leibniz-IPHT has a large number of physics, chemistry and biology laboratories at the highest level. It also has state-of-the-art fiber drawing and clean room facilities (including lithography facilities) as well as microfluidics fabrication and big data computing facilities.
• Thorough and comprehensive personal training: Transferring good practices in scientific working and outreach is one of our main focus points. In a respectful and appreciative environment, you will learn everything you need for a career inside and outside of science. Moreover, plenty of workshops and opportunities for scientific exchange are offered by the Leibniz IPHT, as well as the Abbe School of Photonics and the Graduate Academy of the Friedrich-Schiller University Jena.
• A family-friendly working environment with support services for balancing family and career (e.g. parent-child room, campus kindergarten places, and much more).
• Flexible working time models as well as 30 days vacation/year, special annual payment and bridge days.
• Jena - City of Science: a young city with a vibrant local cultural agenda!

Salary:

Salary is in accordance with the regulations of the TV-L and your qualifications and experience.

About us:

We are a modern, internationally focused research institute. Work-life balance is one of our central concerns. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social origin. If women are underrepresented in the area of the advertised position, they will be given preferential consideration in the hiring process if they are equally qualified.

Further information:

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jer-Shing Huang, mail: jer-shing.huang@leibniz-ipht.de.

Application:

Please simply apply via our job portal (https://www.leibniz-ipht.de/en/institute/career/job-portal/) or send your application electronically as one pdf file until December 31, 2025 via Email (including letter of motivation, CV, certificates, reference addresses) to:

Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology Jena e. V.

Human Resources

Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena

E-Mail: Personal_Abtl@leibniz-ipht.de

Code: 1406