Postdoc (w/m/d): Infrared Near-field Spectroscopy Studies and Developments Kennziffer: PS 2025/3

The Institute of Electronic Structure Dynamics at the HZB develops spectroscopic methods for real-time and/or site-specific investigations of physico-chemical transformations in condensed phases. For vibrational spectroscopic investigations of solids, liquids, gases and biological matter as well as their interfaces, the institute operates an infrared laboratory for the mid- to far-infrared/THz range at the electron storage ring BESSY II with several stations. A micro-spectroscopy end station focuses on applications that require diffraction-limited spatial resolution, such as the investigation of small areas of heterogeneous samples, thin films or layers, single cells or complex biological systems. An infrared near-field microscope takes full advantage of the high brilliance of synchrotron radiation in the mid- and far-infrared range and provides a spatial resolution of down to a few tens of nanometres. The experimental capabilities at the beamline are complemented by a single-shot spectrometer, which allows spectral recording of the kinetics of non-repeatable processes in the microsecond range.

As a research associate in our team, you will use our unique experimental capabilities both for your own research work within the research priorities of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and to make these capabilities available to external users of the beamline. Together with the external users, you will prepare the experiments on the beamline and provide support during the measurement period. An essential part of your tasks will be the continuous development of the laboratory’s instrumentation, with a particular focus on the advanced use of the infrared near-field microscopy technique for chemical characterization of soft-materials, biomolecules and biological systems at nano-scale level.

Are you interested in supporting our team in the above-mentioned tasks? If so, we look forward to receiving your application.

Your activity:

Your Tasks

• Carrying out your own research work within the main research areas of the HZB as well as cooperation with other research groups at the HZB
• Operation, maintenance and further development of the BESSY II infrared beamline and the connected measuring end stations
• Maintenance and extension of the existing sample environments in the infrared laboratory
• Coordination and supervision of the user experiments of the infrared beamline
• Presentation of results at research conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

Your profile:

Your Profile

• Completed doctoral studies in physics, chemistry, biology, materials science or equivalent
• Proven experience in the field of infrared nano- and diffraction limited microspectroscopy at accelerator-based light sources
• Proven experience in the design, implementation and operation of optical devices and experimental set-ups, as well as their customization according to specific research needs
• Experience in infrared spectroscopy of soft materials, in particular biomolecules and complex biomaterials
• Experience in investigation of chemical reactions and structural changes of materials induced by external triggers using infrared spectroscopy
• Proven experience with UV/THz pulsed and CW laser sources for infrared nano- and diffraction limited microspectroscopy
• Experience in the processing and analysis of spectroscopic data and presentation and publication of scientific results
  
• Ability to work in a team and with a high level of self-reliance
• Excellent command of English (B2 level or higher)

Your Benefits

• 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 16 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 22.05.2025. 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.

Apply here

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie
Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1
14109 Berlin
Postanschrift:
Postfach 390128
14109 Berlin

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