The Max Planck Society is Germany's premier research organization. The 84 Max Planck Institutes conduct research at highest levels, in the service of the general public, in the natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.

The Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD). is located at the Science Campus Hamburg-Bahrenfeld and investigates dynamical phenomena within matter down to the elementary timescales of atomic and electronic motions, the femtosecond or attosecond timescale. The focus is on the use of short wavelength ultrafast probes, such as X-rays or electron pulses, which are capable of measuring atomic and electronic structures in matter of all kinds.

The MPSD currently consists of five scientific departments focusing on solid state physics and theoretical methods in these fields. The MPSD is a partner in the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL), collaborating with the Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), European XFEL (EuXFEL) and the University of Hamburg in the development of science based on the X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs).

The Department for Nanoscale Quantum Materials

is seeking a

Nanofabrication Specialist (m/f/d)

Your position

The successful candidate will support the operation and scientific use of the cleanroom facilities at the Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), in close collaboration with the University of Hamburg (UHH) and DESY.

You will play a central role in establishing, developing and maintaining nanofabrication processes within the joint MPSD-UHH-DESY cleanroom infrastructure.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining, calibrating and documenting the operation of shared cleanroom tools and related infrastructure.

• Assisting in the development of standard processes and user training to ensure safe and efficient operation.

• Supporting scientists in the design, realization and characterization of micro- and nanostructures for quantum materials research.

• Contributing to the setup and operation of the MPSD in-house fabrication laboratory to ensure workflow compatibility with the joint cleanroom facility.

• Performing and optimizing fabrication processes such as electron-beam lithography, thin-film deposition and dry/wet etching for research projects across the partner institutions.

Your qualification

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, materials science, electrical engineering with proven hands-on experience (>2 years) in micro- and nanofabrication (e.g. e-beam lithography, deposition, etching, and related techniques); a PhD in a related field will be recognized as equivalent professional experience.

• Strong technical understanding and motivation to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across the institutional boundaries of our partner organizations.

• Fluency inboth English and German is required.

• Most importantly, you shouldenjoy interacting with a diverse international team of scientists and engaging with their constantly evolving processes and projects that will be shaped by your creativity.

Our offer

We offer an innovative environment, which will give you the opportunity to develop your own ideas at the forefront of ultrafast science embedded in the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL). We offer a position according to the German public pay scale (TVöD). The position is initially limited to two years, with possibility of extended employment. Collaborations with experimental groups in Hamburg and other locations are planned.

The Max Planck Society and our group specifically strive for gender and diversity equality. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and we are committed to improve gender balance. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Your application

**To apply, please complete the online application form**

Applications should include a letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications. Please submit your application in English only. The call for this position will close on December 31st, 2025. The earliest starting date is 01.02.2026, but later starting dates are possible.

For further information please contact Dr. Lars Tiemann

email: lars.tiemann@mpsd.mpg.de