Scientific Researcher (m/f/d) - 18-2026-WMA-FB2

The Leibniz Institute for Surface Engineering (IOM) in Leipzig is seeking to fill the following position with immediate effect for a limited duration of two years:

Scientific Researcher (m/f/d)

The Leibniz Institute for Surface Engineering (IOM) is researching new functional and precision surfaces for applications of high societal relevance and emerging technologies. One key focus of IOM is on fundamental physical and chemical processes using ions, electrons, plasmas and photons. We are part of the Leibniz Association, one of the four major non-university science organizations with 96 institutes in Germany.

We are looking for a competent, open-minded personality to strengthen our team as soon as possible. We offer you part-time (30 hours/week) employment with a limitation of two years.

We offer you:

• An exciting role with diverse activities in an interdisciplinary working environment
• Compensation in accordance with TV-L EG 13
• Participation in the company pension scheme (VBL)
• Flexible working hours (30 hours/week)
• A wide range of offerings to support work-life balance
• Assistance in securing a place at a kindergarten, free parking spaces, and capital-forming benefits

Your tasks:

• Design and execution of film deposition processes with different vacuum-based methods (e.g., magnetron sputtering or cathodic arcs)
• Thin film characterization by different methods (e.g, XRR, XRD, SEM-EDX, AFM, ellipsometry)
• Plan and conduct gas permeation measurements (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen)
• Data collecting, data analysis, scientific reporting, presenting the results, joining meetings, workshops, internal and external collaborations
• Active and supportive role for applying for third party funding and supervision of students (masters, bachelors, PhD)
• Dissemination of the results, joining national and international conferences, writing peer reviewed publications

Our requirements:

• Completed PhD in the field of materials science, physics or engineering
• Experience in the field of materials science, plasma based thin film deposition processes and thin film characterization
• Experience in data analysis, project management, experimental planning and project execution
• Strong communication and presentation skills, effective collaboration style for internal and external collaborations  
• Goal-oriented, independent and structured way of working, as well as high ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Proficiency in English

Severely handicapped individuals and those of equivalent status will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified. If you require special support or accommodation for barrier-free and inclusive work, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you. The IOM attaches great importance to the professional equality of women and men and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. The compatibility of career and family is specifically promoted.

Please send your application documents or questions by June 3, 2026 at bewerbung@iom-leipzig.de with the ID: 18-2026-WMA-FB2 in a single PDF file (max. 10 MB).                                                                                                                

The applicant agrees to the storage/processing of personal data (Art. 13 DSGVO) for the purpose of selecting applicants.   

Leipzig, May 13, 2026