PhD Position (m/f/d)

The Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science () is one of the most internationally renowned research institutes. More than 400 employees in 5 scientific departments conduct and facilitate top-level research on historic grounds in Berlin-Dahlem, which is unique worldwide.

The FHI Theory department is currently looking to fill

PhD Position (m/f/d)

A full-time PhD position is available in a Max Planck research project within the WEAVE collaborative grant AtomDensityMap. Our project aims to extend the capabilities of electron microscopy for probing matter at the atomic scale. Our primary objective is to develop a novel electron phase reconstruction technique based on momentum-resolved scanning transmission electron microscopy (4DSTEM). This approach will combine three-dimensional charge distribution data, generated through atomistic simulations, with machine-learning-driven modelling to guide and refine the phase reconstruction process. By integrating simulation-informed priors into the reconstruction algorithm, we aim to significantly improve both accuracy and sensitivity. The position is hosted at the Fritz-Haber-Institut (Berlin) in a close partnership with the Forschungszentrum Jülich, contributing to algorithm development, computational tool implementation, and validation with experimental partners (TU Graz and Montanuniversität Leoben).

The PhD position is initially limited to three years. The successful candidate will be employed at Fritz-Haber-Institut Berlin, with co-supervision from and regular stays at Forschungszentrum Jülich.

The Max Planck Society values diversity and inclusion; applications from women and underrepresented minorities are particularly encouraged.

Your role

• Develop and test reconstruction algorithms that co-optimize an atomic structure from 4DSTEM data and interatomic potentials.
• Start out from existing phase reconstruction implementations, including a very promising proof-of-concept for co-optimization.
• Transition from synthetic, simulated data to real-world electron microscopy data, and adapt the algorithms accordingly.
• Collaborate with diverse team of experts for interatomic potentials, phase reconstruction, electron microscopy and specimen preparation.

Your profile

• A Master degree in natural sciences (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, or Materials Science) preferably with a specialization in theoretical chemistry, or Applied Mathematics or Information Technology.
• Experience with numerical programming, machine learning or data analysis, preferentially with Python.
• Solid background in technical mathematics – derivatives, wave functions, linear algebra, differential equations, numerical optimization.
• Some background in solid state physics, optics, electrical engineering, chemistry and/or materials science, preferentially linked with numerical/mathematical modeling or data analysis.
• High willingness to learn and master novel computational approaches.
• Collaborative spirit, teamwork, and excellent English skills.

We offer

• Key role in an ambitious, international, interdisciplinary project.
• Challenging tasks with highly ambitious “stretch goals”, but also more conservative fallbacks to ensure a good PhD outcome.
• Broad spectrum of learning opportunities in the intersection of materials science, chemistry, solid state physics, materials analytics, numerical modeling and data analysis.
• Use novel machine learning tools and methods in innovative ways.
• Many opportunities to experiment with new approaches and try out own ideas.
• Regular visits at project partners (Graz, Leoben, Jülich, Berlin).
• Opportunities to publish and present at national and international conferences.

Your application

Please submit your application via our online application portal as soon as possible, but latest by February 27th, 2026, including the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and email addresses of two references

The successful candidates are expected to start between April 1st, and May 1st, 2026.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Chiara Panosetti ( [email protected] ), Theory Department, Fritz-Haber-Institute of the Max-Planck-Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany, or

Dr. Dieter Weber ( [email protected] ), Ernst Ruska-Centrum für Mikroskopie und Spektroskopie mit Elektronen (ER-C), Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich.

These contacts are provided for information only; please note that applications will only be accepted through the online portal.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Max Planck Society

The Max Planck Society endeavors to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the participation of women in research. Therefore, applications by women are particularly welcome. The Max Planck Society is also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.