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Are you passionate about cutting-edge fundamental research on molecular and 2D materials heterostructures? Are you looking to pursue your PhD in an excellent, interdisciplinary research environment at a leading German university? If so, we invite you to apply!

The newly established Collaborative Research Center CRC 1772 "mol2Dmat" investigates novel collective states and quantum phenomena in heterostructures of molecules and two-dimensional materials. Our interdisciplinary consortium brings together 20 research groups from Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and the Max Planck Institute in Hamburg. Our work combines physics, chemistry, and materials science – pushing the frontiers of quantum materials research.

The overarching goal of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1772 is to explore and harness previously inaccessible collective phenomena and ground states in heterostructures of molecules and two-dimensional materials. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are atomically thin crystals that may be stacked into heterostructures with new and totally unexpected properties. CRC 1772 takes this to the next level by creating and studying heterostructures of organic and inorganic molecules encapsulated inside 2D materials.

As a PhD Student, you will become part of an excellent scientific network and benefit from our structured, interdisciplinary graduate program, which includes tailored training, workshops, retreats, and conference travel. You will have access to cutting- edge laboratories, individual supervision, and a wide range of development opportunities. We are committed to family and academic life being compatible and promoting diversity and equal opportunity through a variety of support measures.

We offer 7 PhD positions at the Department of Physics at Freie Universität Berlin starting October 1st, 2025, in one of the following projects:

Job description:
Contribute to research and scientific outreach in one of the following projects. Please, indicate your interest in one (or two) research projects as part of your application:

A0l – Collective excited states in molecular lattices (Prof. Reich)

• Growth of highly ordered molecular layers (phtalocyanine, costum-synthesized dyes) on hBN, graphene, and transition meta! dichalcogenides
• Study of the emerging collective excitations by Raman scattering, linear optical spectroscopy, and near-field microscopy

A04 – Polaritons in mol2Dmat heterostructures (Dr. Kusch)

• Exploration of hybrid light-matter coupling between molecular films and van der Waals materials, with the aim of tailoring their optical and polaritonic properties
• Near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) and spectroscopy (TERS/TEPL) supported by linear far-field spectroscopy, including Raman scattering and photoluminescence

BOl – The interplay between charge transfer and excitons in mol2Dmat heterostructures (Prof. Bolotin, 2 positions)

• Nanofabrication of transistor-type devices where a two-dimensional material is functionalized with donor and acceptor molecules on both sides.
• Study of intra- and interlayer excitons as well as their condensation into a collective state via optical spectroscopies and electron transport

B03 – Atomic-scale investigations of charge transfer and excitonic states in mol2Dmat heterostructures (Prof. Franke)

• Investigation of charge transfer and charge transfer excitons induced by molecular adsorbates on 2D materials with atomic-scale precision
• Low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, atomic-force microscopy under ultra-high vacuum conditions (experience in these techniques is required)

B04 – Charge-transfer excitons and transient electronic structure at mol2Dmat interfaces (Prof. Weinelt)

• Study ultrafast carrier dynamics in 2D charge density wave systems by femtosecond pump-probe photoelectron spectroscopy to identify candidates for excitonic insulators
• Doping of the above materials by adsorption of molecular donors and/or acceptors to tune correlation and dynamic response and stabilize charge transfer excitons

C05 – One-dimensional molecular chains through nanotubes (Dr. Setaro)

• Realization of one-dimensional molecular assemblies through carbon and boron nitride nanotubes
• Physico-chemical methods for the growth and characterization of the molecular-tubes heterostructures, optical spectroscopies for the investigation of the molecule-molecule and molecule-tube interactions.

Requirements:
Master in Physics or a closely related field.

(Professional) Experience:
Experimental expertise in research on solid-state or molecular physics.

Desirable:

• Excellent Master degree with courses in solid-state and molecular physics or closely related fields.
• research expertise of several months (e. g., during a Master thesis). Ideally, the experimental methods in your command align with the research direction of the project you are interested in.
• Excellent command of written and oral English (B2).
• Experience in the presentation of scientific results in written and oral forms, e. g., during seminar presentation and as a written manuscript.
• Dedication towards scientific work. high motivation for pursuing a PhD thesis. We are interested in a diverse research community and particularly encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply.

Your application should include a cover letter, your CV, a copy/scan of your degree and course transcripts. Please name one (or at most two) projects you are particularly interested in and explain why your academic and research expertise prepared you for this research direction.

For further information, please contact Frau Prof. Stephanie Reich and colleagues (office@crc1772.de / 030 - 838 63593).

Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents, indicating the reference code, no later than August 14^th, 2025 in PDF format (preferably as one document) to Frau Prof. Stephanie Reich (Spokesperson of SFB 1772): applications@crc1772.de or postal to

Freie Universität Berlin
Fachbereich Physik
Institut für Experimentalphysik
SFB 1772: Heterostrukturen aus Molekülen und 2D Materialien
Frau Prof. Stephanie Reich (Sprecherin des SFB 1772)
Arnimallee 14
14195 Berlin (Dahlem)

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