Education and Training at the IOM

Creating the best possible framework conditions to promote young talent - and this in both technical and scientific professions - is the goal of the IOM.

The Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM) is actively involved in the professional and academic training of junior staff. To this end, we offer training positions in various professions and supervise doctoral students as well as diploma or master's and bachelor's students.

The promotion of young researchers is based on the guidelines of the Leibniz Association. Involvement in applied research projects at an early stage of education and training is the special feature of the IOM. These networks and its high-quality equipment make the institute an attractive place for excellent young researchers.

Young Scientists / PhD Students

Students who are pursuing a doctorate (PhD students) are usually employed as part-time research assistants at the IOM. This is based on the assumption that the students are involved in IOM projects on the one hand, and that they must have time to devote to the tasks of a doctorate on the other. As a non-university institution, the IOM does not award scientific degrees; these can only be awarded by universities. In order to create synergies, it is often attempted to locate the doctoral topic close to the topic of the project being worked on at the IOM.

Therefore, persons who wish to apply for a "doctoral position" should apply for the advertised positions of research assistants (part-time) and follow the application instructions given there.

Qualification Theses for Diploma or Master and Bachelor Students

In consultation with professors who have a joint appointment at a university and at the IOM, topics for diploma or master's and bachelor's theses are constantly assigned at the IOM. This is preferably done in the fields of physics, chemistry, applied mathematics, materials science and physical and chemical process engineering. Interested parties can inquire about opportunities on the "For Students" page or directly with the respective department heads of the Fields of Research or Cross-section Units.

Internships

We offer a limited number of internships in our research teams for students as part of their training. Please direct enquiries to the respective department heads of the Fields of Research or Cross-section Units.

 

Professional Training

The professional training at the IOM is carried out by certified professional trainers. The trainees are usually involved in various research projects. This gives them the opportunity to work in research teams and on state-of-the-art equipment.

The IOM offers training in the following occupations:

  • Physics Laboratory Assistant

    Two apprenticeships

    • Training period 3½ years
    • School leaving certificate: good secondary school leaving certificate / grammar school desirable
    • Next start of training: expected in August 2025


    Contact:

    Thomas Pröhl
       thomas.proehl(at)iom-leipzig.de
       +49 (0)341 235-3310

  • Chemicary Laboratory Assistant

    Two apprenticeships

    • Training period 3½ years
    • School leaving certificate: good secondary school leaving certificate / grammar school desirable
    • Next start of training: expected in August 2025


    Contact:

    Nadja Schönherr
       nadja.schoenherr(at)iom-leipzig.de
       +49 (0)341 235-2587

  • Industrial Mechanic

    Two apprenticeships with the possibility of dual professional training

    • Training period 3½years
    • Specialisation: machine and systems technology
    • School-leaving qualification: secondary school
    • Next start of training: expected in August 2025


    Contact:

    Ann-Grit Birnbaum
       ann-grit.birnbaum(at)iom-leipzig.de
       +49 (0)341 235-2570