22.09.2026 Age: 7 days

[Translate to English:] Gruppenleiter*in Ultrapräzise Laser- und Ionenstrahlbearbeitung von Oberflächen (m/w/d)

[Translate to English:]

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

Group Leader Ultra-precise laser and ion beam processing of surfaces (m/f/d)

 

The Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM) conducts research into new functional and precision surfaces for applications of high social relevance and innovative technologies. The focus 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 scientific organizations with 96 institutes in Germany.

 

We are looking for a competent, open-minded, and team-oriented personality to join our team as soon as possible to lead the working group, which is part of the Ultra-Precise Surfaces department. In addition to ultra-precise material processing with laser radiation, the main topics are the combination with other beam and microstructuring methods as well as the laser microstructuring of polymer and biomedical materials.

We offer you a full-time (40 hours) or part-time (at least 75%) position with a fixed term of three years for the time being. Following a positive evaluation, we aim to offer permanent employment.

We offer you:

  • A responsible management position with a high degree of scientific freedom
  • An exciting workplace with varied activities in an interdisciplinary working environment
  • Excellent research infrastructure and state-of-the-art technical equipment
  • An international, interdisciplinary, and collegial working environment
  • Compensation in accordance with TV-L EG
  • Participation in the company pension scheme (VBL)
  • Flexible working hours and family-friendly working conditions
  • Individual training and development opportunities, especially in the areas of leadership and scientific management
  • A wide range of offerings to support work-life balance
  • Consulting services and an interactive network to help you get started in Germany if you are moving from abroad
  • Assistance in securing a place at a kindergarten, free parking spaces, and capital-forming benefits

Your tasks:

  • Scientific management of an independent research group in the field of ultra-precise laser and ion beam processes with a staff of 4-6 employees    
  • Development of innovative, internationally visible research topics at the interface of surface physics, nanotechnology, microsystems technology, and precision optics
  • Development of approaches for combining laser, plasma, and ion beam processes
  • Design, implementation, and evaluation of experimental and simulation-based research work
  • Active acquisition of third-party funding (e.g., DFG, BMBF, EU, international funding programs, industrial collaborations) and responsibility for project management and coordination
  • Publication of research results in high-ranking international journals and presentation at international conferences
  • Leadership, motivation, and further development of an interdisciplinary and diverse team of scientists, doctoral students, and technical staff
  • Participation in student education through teaching and student supervision

Our requirements:

  • Completed university degree with a doctorate in engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science, or a comparable field
  • Scientific expertise in ultra-precise laser and/or ion beam processing of surfaces as well as in high-resolution surface structuring and the desire to expand and/or specialize this expertise
  • Knowledge in one of the following areas: nanotechnology, microsystems technology, materials science, or precision optics in the context of functional, high-precision surfaces
  • Scientific profile with relevant publications, international visibility, and active networking in the international research community
  • Skills in leading and motivating interdisciplinary, diverse research teams    
  • Skill/talent for developing long-term scientific strategies within the framework
    of the IOM research strategy
  • Qualified use of methods for analyzing, optimizing, and scaling surface treatment processes
  • Experience in numerical modeling and simulation would be desirable      
  • Experience in successfully acquiring third-party funding (e.g., national and international funding programs, EU projects, research networks, industrial collaborations) would be desirable
  • Competence in leading and motivating interdisciplinary, diverse research teams
  • Skill/talent for developing long-term scientific visions and sustainable research strategies within the framework of the IOM research strategy
  • Very good written and spoken English; German language skills are an advantage or a willingness to acquire them

 

Severely handicapped persons will be given preferential consideration if they are suitable in terms of health and skills. If you require special adjustments in your working environment for inclusive working, please do not hesitate to contact us. 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 October 20, 2026 at bewerbung@iom-leipzig.de with the ID: 11-2026-FB1 in a single PDF file.                                                                             

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

Leipzig, 21.09.2026