Postdoctoral position in mesoscopic physics of topological insulator hybrid devices(f/m/x) Wiss2606-11

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Postdoctoral position in mesoscopic physics of topological insulator hybrid devices(f/m/x)

at the Institute of Physics II

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region.

Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne

make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in

science, technology, and administration.

The research group led by Prof. Yoichi Ando at the University of Cologne‘s

Institute of Physics II is attempting to elucidate the non-Abelian nature of the WE OFFER

Majorana zero modes generated in a topological insulator (TI) platform. The

successful candidate will develop and characterize TI-superconductor (SC) » Participation in large-scale collaborative research projects in an interhybrid devices to detect and manipulate emerging Majorana zero modes using national team

quantum transport and/or circuit-QED techniques, so that the confirmation of » A diverse working environment with equal opportunities

non-Abelian statistics via braiding becomes possible in the next few years.

» Support in balancing work and family life

» Flexible working time models

Your Tasks

» Extensive advanced training opportunities

» Occupational health management offers

» Ultra-low-temperature quantum transport and/or circuit-QED measurements of TI-SC hybrid devices The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women

» Installation and optimization of the wirings in dilution refrigerators for will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities

Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We

such measurements

also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of

» Nanofabrication of relevant devices in the clean room and associated

their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual

characterizations

orientation and identity.

» Modelling and analyses of experimental data and collaboration with

external theory groups

The position is available from 1 November 2026 on a full-time basis (39,83

» Joint responsibility for third-party-funded projects

hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until 31 October

» Presentation of results at conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed

2028, with the possibility of an extension. If the applicant meets the relejournals

vant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on

» Co-supervision of 1-2 PhD students, assistance in teaching/experimental

remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

courses

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications (without a photo)

Your Profile

under https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de The reference number is Wiss2606-11.

The application deadline is 30 July 2026.

A PhD in experimental solid-state physics, material science, or nano-science

is required. You must have solid experience in at least four of the following:

For further inquiries, please contact Dr Harald Kierspel at

» Hands-on experience with device nanofabrication using electron-beam

(kierspel@ph2.uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.

lithography, metal/dielectric deposition, wet/dry etching, and analyzing

tools (AFM, SEM and EDX)

» Hands-on experience with circuit-QED, superconducting qubits, or highfrequency measurements of quantum devices

» Low-noise quantum transport experiments in a dilution refrigerator

» Advanced knowledge on mesoscopic physics, superconductivity, and

electronic circuits

» Operation and optimization of dilution refrigerators