Call for 13 PhD Positions
About the Program
The Research Training Group CorMic invites applications for doctoral positions in an interdisciplinary program uniting advanced microscopy, materials development, and data-driven science for the next generation of sustainable functional materials and devices. Addressing global challenges in climate, energy, and sustainability, CorMic pioneers new strategies that combine cutting-edge microscopy, advanced materials design, and data-driven (AI/ML) approaches to accelerate discovery and optimization across scales.
Doctoral researchers will work at the interface of physics, chemistry, materials science, and data science, developing innovative multimodal and scale-bridging microscopy methods and applying them to model systems such as nanostructured films and hierarchical materials. By linking experimental and digital workflows, CorMic aims to establish new paradigms for integrating microscopic insights into materials design and device optimization.
The program offers a comprehensive qualification framework covering scientific, technical, and transferable skills, and fosters international collaboration and personal development through mentoring, research exchanges, and networking with leading partners.
CorMic provides a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment at the Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). Graduates will be equipped to take on leadership roles in academia or industry, driving innovation in sustainable materials technologies.
Start of the program: 1st of April 2026
Submission is possible until: 7th of January 2026
Your Profile
Highly qualified candidates with academic education in physics, chemistry, materials science, computational engineering or related disciplines are invited to apply. Proficient oral and written communication skills in English are required, knowledge of the German language is welcome. The PhD positions are provided for up to four years and will be paid according to the regulations of the collective wage agreement of the civil service.
Application Documents
Applications should include:
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a letter of motivation
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your CV including educational and vocational history, key skills and academic achievements, publications and oral presentations (max. 2 pages)
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academic transcripts and certificates, and, if necessary, a letter detailing any other pertinent information, such as prolonged delays in study or significant extracurricular activities
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if applicable, academic letter(s) of recommendation
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please mention up to 3 projects you are interested in applying for (short project descriptions can be found in the Project Descriptions)
How to Apply
Please send your application electronically via FAU Jobs: https://www.jobs.fau.de/
Address your application to:
Prof. Erdmann Spiecker
Department Werkstoffwissenschaften
Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg is a member of “The Family in Higher Education Institutions” best practice club and aims to increase the number of women in scientific positions. Female candidates are therefore particularly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled persons in the sense of the Disabled Persons Act will be given preferential consideration over other candidates of equal professional qualification and personal suitability if the advertised position is suitable for severely disabled persons. If desired by the applicant (m/f/d), the Equal Opportunities Officer can be involved in the job interview without any disadvantage to the applicant (m/f/d).