Research Scientist with the option to pursue a doctoral degree (m/f/d)

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:

Research Scientist with the option to pursue a doctoral degree (m/f/d)

The Leibniz Institute for Surface Engineering (IOM) is researching new functional and precision surfaces for applications of high societal relevance and emerging technologies. One key focus of IOM 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 science organizations with 96 institutes in Germany.

We are looking for a competent, open-minded personality to strengthen our team as soon as possible. We offer you part-time (75 %) employment with a limitation of three years.

We offer you:

• An exciting role in an interdisciplinary working environment, along with the possibility of pursuing a doctorate
• Compensation in accordance with TV-L EG 13
• Participation in the company pension scheme (VBL)
• Flexible working hours (30 hours/week)
• A wide range of offerings to support work-life balance
• Assistance in securing a place at a kindergarten, free parking spaces, and capital-forming benefits
• Structured onboarding and opportunities for further professional and personal development

Your tasks:

• (Laser) lithographic patterning of photoresists
• Laser structuring of polymers 
• Investigation of plasma etching processes for glass structuring
• Investigation and validation of photoresists for atmospheric pressure plasma etching processes
• Managing project tasks, in particular supporting experimental work
• Developing simulation approaches for selected primary effective processes
• Publishing findings in scientific journals and at conferences
• Further developing experiments based on simulation results
• Documenting results in accordance with good scientific practice

Our requirements:

• Completed master’s degree in the field of natural sciences, or engineering
• Experience in plasma processes, lithographic technologies, laser micromachining, wet/dry etching processes for microstructuring, or in glass processing would be advantageous
• Practical experience with the setup and maintenance of laser and plasma systems is welcome
• Experience in the analysis of surfaces using microscopic and spectroscopic methods
• Good communication skills and a collaborative mindset
• A structured, goal-oriented approach to work
• Experience in scientific writing
• Very good written and spoken English

Severely handicapped individuals and those of equivalent status will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified. If you require special support or accommodation for barrier-free and inclusive work, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you. 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 09.09.2026 at bewerbung(at)iom-leipzig.de with the ID: 24-2026-WMA-Dok-FB1 in a single PDF file (max. 10 MB).                                                        

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

Leipzig, 25.08.2026