Offer Description
Open Position: Head of the Advanced Structural Characterization Unit at the Institute of Physics Belgrade
The Institute of Physics Belgrade (IPB), a leading scientific research institution in Serbia, is seeking an internationally recognized scientist with a proven record of scientific leadership to establish and lead the Advanced Structural Characterization Unit within the Center for Solid State Physics and New Materials. The position is established within the Horizon Europe ERA Chair project “Hidden Phases in Two-Dimensional Quantum Materials (HIP-2D-QM)” and represents a key component of the Institute's long-term strategy for developing world-class research capabilities in advanced materials characterization.
The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership for the Advanced Structural Characterization Unit, develop an internationally competitive research program focused on the structural characterization of quantum and functional materials, and contribute to the growth of the Center through collaborations with other research units and international partners. The Head of the Unit will lead in-house research activities utilizing a dedicated advanced diffraction and total scattering instrument, as well as exploit opportunities at international large-scale research facilities, establish new research directions in structural characterization, and provide training and mentorship in powder diffraction, total scattering, and atomic pair distribution function (PDF) methodologies to PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and other early-career scientists. The successful candidate will also play a central role in integrating advanced structural characterization research with complementary experimental and theoretical activities within the Center for Solid State Physics and New Materials.
While supported through the HIP-2D-QM project during its implementation phase, the position is intended as a permanent appointment and will continue beyond the lifetime of the project as part of the Institute's long-term research infrastructure and scientific development strategy. Fixed-term contract for a leadership position, with the possibility of extension and long-term career development.
Position Details
- Number of Positions: 1
- Duration: Full-time, permanent position
- Start Date: Earliest in April 2027; no later than October 31, 2027
Key Responsibilities
- Provide scientific and strategic leadership for the Advanced Structural Characterization Unit and contribute to the long-term development of the Center for Solid State Physics and New Materials.
- Develop and lead an internationally competitive research program focused on advanced structural characterization of quantum, functional, and other condensed matter materials.
- Establish and implement new research directions in structural characterization, with particular emphasis on powder diffraction, total scattering, atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis, and related methodologies.
- Lead and coordinate in-house research activities utilizing advanced diffraction and total scattering instrumentation available at the Institute.
- Develop and strengthen collaborations with other research units within the Institute of Physics Belgrade and with leading international research groups and institutions.
- Initiate, coordinate, and participate in experiments at major international large-scale research facilities, including synchrotron radiation sources, neutron scattering facilities, and X-ray free-electron lasers.
- Secure competitive national and international research funding, prepare research proposals, and contribute to the strategic growth and sustainability of the Unit.
- Supervise, mentor, and provide advanced training to PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and other early-career scientists in structural characterization methods and data analysis techniques.
- Promote the integration of advanced structural characterization approaches with complementary experimental and theoretical research activities within the Center.
- Disseminate research results through publications in leading international journals, presentations at major scientific conferences, and active participation in the international scientific community.
- Contribute to the visibility, scientific excellence, and international reputation of the Institute of Physics Belgrade.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- An established international research profile in advanced structural characterization of condensed matter, quantum materials, functional materials, or related fields.
- Extensive expertise in X-ray diffraction (XRD), total scattering methods, and atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis.
- Demonstrated experience utilizing major international large-scale research facilities, including synchrotron radiation sources, spallation neutron sources, and/or X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs).
- Proven track record of obtaining competitive research funding and leading externally funded research projects.
- Demonstrated success in preparing competitive beamtime proposals and conducting experiments at international large-scale facilities.
- Experience supervising PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and other early-career scientists.
- Excellent communication and scientific writing skills in English.
- Ability to provide scientific leadership while fostering collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
Desirable Qualifications
- Strong publication record in leading international peer-reviewed journals.
- International visibility demonstrated through invited talks, leadership roles in scientific collaborations, service on advisory or review panels, editorial activities, or other forms of scientific recognition.
- Experience establishing or managing research groups, laboratories, or scientific facilities.
- Expertise in quantum materials, correlated electron systems, low-dimensional materials, crystallographically complex materials, or related research areas.
- Expertise in single-crystal diffuse scattering methods, three-dimensional atomic pair distribution function (3D-PDF) analysis, and differential 3D-PDF methodologies.
- Experience in the development and application of advanced Fourier methods for structural characterization of nanoscale disorder, local structure, and correlated phenomena.
- Experience organizing scientific conferences, workshops, or advanced training schools.
- Familiarity with Horizon Europe and other international funding mechanisms.
- Strong commitment to mentoring, scientific excellence, and international collaboration.
What We Offer
- A stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- Opportunity to shape and develop a newly established research unit with long-term institutional support.
- Access to dedicated advanced diffraction and total scattering instrumentation.
- Support for participation in experiments at leading international large-scale research facilities.
- Opportunities to supervise PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
- Integration within the HIP-2D-QM ERA Chair project and collaboration with leading international partners.
- Support for developing competitive European and international research proposals.
- Competitive salary and benefits in accordance with Serbian regulations.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should submit the following documents via email to hip2dqm-hc@ipb.ac.rs with the subject line:
“Head of Advanced Structural Characterization Unit at the Institute of Physics Belgrade”
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (in English)
- Cover Letter detailing research experience and motivation
- List of Publications
- Two Recommendation Letters from academic referees
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
For additional inquiries, please contact hip2dqm-hc@ipb.ac.rs
The Institute of Physics Belgrade is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, nationality, or background.
Funding & Salary
- Funding Source: Horizon Europe, HIP-2D-QM (ID: 101185375)
- Gross Salary: €48,000 per year. The salary is competitive within the Serbian research system and will be complemented by access to research funding, international mobility opportunities, and institutional support for scientific activities.
We look forward to receiving your application!