Starting on January 1st 2027, the Chiral Optoelectronics Lab at the Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics in Halle (Saale), Germany, is seeking motivated PhD candidates and Postdoctoral Researchers to join the ERC-funded project FastE-Chiral. We welcome applicants interested in developing functional organic semiconductor materials and/or chiral functional materials. Research experience in these areas, particularly with light-emitting diodes or transistors, is desirable for PhD applicants and expected of postdoctoral applicants.
FastE-Chiral aims to develop novel organic optoelectronic devices capable of precise generation, detection, and modulation of chiral light signals, by leveraging cutting-edge advancements in materials science and optoelectronic technologies. The project brings together material synthesis, thin-film processing, device fabrication, and characterization in a highly interdisciplinary environment. This collaborative setting offers numerous opportunities for both technical and scientific partnerships with fellow researchers, enhancing your career prospects in both academia and industry.
Chirality science spans multiple disciplines, including chemistry, physics, and materials science. We encourage early-career researchers with a background in one of these areas and a willingness to explore new fields to apply. Responsibilities and expectations will be tailored to the appointment level.
Your tasks
· Develop novel chiral molecules for organic semiconductor applications through chemical synthesis, thin-film processing or device fabrication. PhD researchers will develop their research skills with supervision; postdoctoral researchers will lead research activities with a high degree of independence.
· Perform photophysical characterization at both the molecular level and in thin films.
· Collaborate closely with other members of the ERC team to advance the development of functional chiral optoelectronic devices.
· Contribute to the design of novel strategies for both chiral and non-chiral organic semiconductors, in line with your experience.
· Disseminate your experimental findings through publications in scientific journals and oral presentations at international conferences and workshops.
Your profile
Essential criteria for the relevant appointment level
· For PhD applicants: a Master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, materials science, or a related field by the appointment date. For postdoctoral applicants: a PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related field by the appointment date.
· For PhD applicants: a solid academic foundation and initial practical research experience relevant to materials characterization or fabrication of semiconductor devices. For postdoctoral applicants: strong expertise and research experience in fabrication of organic semiconductor devices, such as light-emitting diodes or transistors.
· An understanding of the basic design and working principles of organic semiconductor devices and the relationship between molecular structure and photophysical properties, appropriate to your career stage.
· A strong willingness to work in a multicultural environment.
· Good communication and presentation skills in English for both general audiences and scientists.
· Ability to communicate research clearly in written English. PhD applicants should be willing to develop scientific writing skills; postdoctoral applicants should have experience preparing scientific journal articles.
Desirable criteria assessed in relation to career stage
· Experience with or a good understanding of the operation of organic semiconductor devices, broadly speaking, light-emitting diodes, photodiodes, and field effect transistors.
· Experience with or a good understanding of optical characterization of chiral materials, including circular dichroism and photoluminescence spectroscopy.
· For postdoctoral applicants: willingness to, and/or experience in, co-supervising Master's or PhD students.
· Professional experience with OLED materials, either in industry or through industrial collaborations.
· For postdoctoral applicants: experience in drafting and applying for research grants.
We offer
· Access to state-of-the-art lab facilities for organic optoelectronic device fabrication and testing.
· Opportunities for professional growth, networking, and international collaboration.
· A supportive and stimulating work environment within a globally renowned research institution.
· PhD remuneration will follow the Max Planck Society funding guidelines for doctoral researchers. Postdoctoral remuneration will be based on the German public service wage agreement (TVöD-Bund), level 13, in line with qualifications and professional experience.
The Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics gives priority to applications from severely disabled candidates with equivalent qualifications. Furthermore, we strive to increase the proportion of female employees and therefore specifically encourage women to apply.
The initial postdoctoral appointment will be for one years with the possibility of extension or negotiation based on performance, project needs, and mutual agreement. The duration of the PhD appointment will be 36 months. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as recruitment may close before the stated deadline. For more details and informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Li Wan (li.wan@mpi-halle.mpg.de). Please send your application including by October 31st 2026:
· A cover letter stating whether you are applying for a PhD or postdoctoral position and explaining your research interests and how you meet the relevant criteria.
· Your CV, including a publication list if applicable. Postdoctoral applicants should highlight up to three significant publications, each accompanied by a narrative of up to 300 words explaining their contribution and the novelty of the work. PhD applicants should include a brief summary of their thesis or relevant research project; publications are not required.
· Contact details of two academic referees. PhD applicants should include their thesis or research project supervisor where possible. Postdoctoral applicants with no prior postdoctoral experience should include their PhD supervisor.
