IMPRS Meeting (May 26, 2026) I Careers beyond academia – insights from IMPRS alumni

Invited Speakers / Alumni

Kai-Uwe Demasius did his Dr. Ing. in the group of Stuart Parkin at MPI Halle in 2020. After his PhD, he founded the start-up SEMRON, a technology start-up dedicated to developing energy-efficient computer chips specifically designed for artificial intelligence applications.

In 2015, André Farinha joined Biosurfit in Portugal where he engineered prototypes for new medical devices. Then, in 2017, André joined Stuart Parkin’s group at the MPI Halle, establishing the 3D electronics research effort. In 2023, he then joined Abberior Instruments in Göttingen, where he has been developing software to control super resolution microscopes.

Christoph Hauser completed his PhD at MLU Halle in the group of Prof. Schmidt. In 2020, he joined ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, initially as a process engineer. He transitioned into a research scientist role within the company’s R&D department where he is developing coatings and coating machines.

Konrad Gillmeister did his PhD in Surface Science with Prof. Widdra in 2014. After a year as Product Manager at SONOTEC, he returned to MLU Halle where he worked for two years as a scientist and head of the basic physics lab course. From 2018 to 2024, he was Head of Metrology at Hereaus Comvance, a leading producer of high- purity quartz-glass. In 2025, he joined Deutsche Energie-Agentur, first as a Senior- Expert for Digitalization and now as a Group leader where he contributes to implementing the energy and climate policy goals of the German federal government.

Berthold Rimmler completed his doctoral research in the group of Stuart Parkin and successfully defended his thesis in January 2024. Since November 2023, he has been working as scientific assistant to the Vice-President of the Chemistry, Physics, and Technology Section at the Max Planck Society, where he contributes to research management and strategic initiatives within the organization.

During his PhD with Stuart Parkin at the MPI Halle, Ankit Sharma specialized in cryogenic Magnetic Force Microscopy. After defending his thesis in early 2022 and continuing as a postdoctoral researcher for one year, he joined attocube systems in Munich as an Application Scientist, where he applies his expertise in advanced microscopy techniques and cryogenic instrumentation.