Prof. Dr. Melanie Müller appointed as Professor at Universität Bonn
Prof. Dr. Melanie Müller, head of the “Ultrafast Scanning Probe Microscopy” research group in the Department of Physical Chemistry at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, has taken up a new professorship for experimental condensed matter physics at the University of Bonn, as of April 1, 2026.
Education and Career
Since April 2026: Full professor for experimental condensed matter physics, University of Bonn
2019: Visiting scientist at the University of Colorado, Boulder, USA (Host: Prof. Dr. Markus Raschke)
2017 – 2026: Group leader "Ultrafast Scanning Probe Microscopy", Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
2017: Postdoctoral researcher, Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
2017: Ph.D. in Physics, Free University Berlin, Supervisor: Dr. Ralph Ernstorfer, Ph.D. Thesis: "Femtosecond low-energy electron imaging and diffraction using nanotip photoemitters"
2011 – 2017: Ph.D. research fellow in the Independent Max-Planck Research Group "Structural and Electronic Surface Dynamics" at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
2010: Diploma in physics, Johannes-Gutenberg Universität Mainz, Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Arno Rauschenbeutel, Diploma Thesis: "Realization and characterization of a phase-locked laser system for coherent spectroscopy of fiber-coupled cesium atoms"
Research focus at the FHI
Since August 2017, Melanie Müller has led the “Ultrafast Scanning Probe Microscopy” research group in the Department of Physical Chemistry at the Fritz Haber Institute. Her group’s research focuses on the experimental investigation of spatiotemporal dynamics at solid-state surfaces and in quantum materials and nanostructures on ultrafast time scales and with sub-nanometer spatial resolution. The innovative combination of low-temperature scanning probe microscopy with ultrashort light pulses and high-resolution spectroscopy enables the team to gain a detailed understanding of fundamental physical phenomena and light-matter interactions at the atomic scale.
Interview Highlights
1. How did you come to FHI and when?
In 2011, I joined the FHI as a PhD student in the “Independent Max Planck Research Group” led by Ralph Ernstorfer. Following a brief postdoctoral phase, I established a new junior research group in the Department of Physical Chemistry of Martin Wolf, which I have led ever since.
2. What did you do here?
Since I started my PhD, I have worked on ultrafast microscopy using metallic nanotips excited by femtosecond laser pulses. During my PhD thesis, I used these tips as a source for low-energy ultrafast electron pulses. After my PhD, my work has focused on the development and application of ultrafast scanning tunneling microscopy to investigate the ultrafast dynamics and out-of-equilibrium behavior at solid-state surfaces on length scales from a few nanometers down to the picometer range. Another focus of my research is on light-matter interactions and optical spectroscopy in extremely localized optical near-fields.
3. How was your career supported by FHI and MPG?
The FHI and the PC Department, led by Martin Wolf, provided ideal working conditions for my research, as well as an inspiring and innovative environment in which I was able to pursue my scientific interests with a high degree of independence. The trust that I have experienced, the collegial exchange, as well as career development programs of the MPG such as “Sign up!” have further supported my development as an independent researcher, for which I am very grateful.
4. How was the collaboration within your team?
In addition to maintaining a regular scientific exchange, what’s really important to me is mutual respect and trust in working with my group members and colleagues. I try to support each team member’s scientific and academic development in an individual and hands-on way, while at the same time encouraging a high degree of independence and critical thinking.
5. What have you taken away for your professional future?
Quite a lot! Above all, scientific inspiration, critical thinking, the importance of good mentoring and scientific networks, or simply the experience of leading a research group.
6. What awaits you at your new position?
Besides the “fifth season” on the Rhine (laughs), what I’m really looking forward to as a professor in Bonn is the opportunity to work even closer with students and early-career researchers. The new location also offers different scientific perspectives and exciting opportunities for me to explore new research directions. I’m looking forward to establishing a new research group and setting up new laboratories, where I can further expand my research and develop and implement new ideas.
