Post-doc on probing exotic quantum states in conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks Full-time

Post-doc on Probing Exotic Quantum States in Conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks

The Goesten Group at the Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, is seeking a candidate for a 12 months fulltime postdoctoral position, co-supervised by Prof. Yong Chen and Prof. Jill Miwa at the Department of Physics. The position is available from the 1st of May 2026, or as soon as possible hereafter.

Your research will look at a special class of porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that is based on redox-active organic building blocks. These building blocks enforce charge delocalization and give rise to exotic quantum states that relate to superconductivity. This project will focus on two types of phenomena: (i) Charge Density Wave (CDW) order in magnetic, lanthanide-based MOFs and (ii) electride-like, quasiatomic electron states that reside in the pores of certain MOFs. The aim of the project is to map these states with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy/Spectroscopy (STM/STS) and where possible, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Your work will focus on the spectroscopy, and does not involve single-crystal synthesis. This project involves intensive international collaboration with multiple research groups.

Your profile:

• You hold a PhD in physics, chemistry or materials science.
• Preferably you have a background in STM/STS, photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES, XPS) or Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
• Preferably you have experience with Ultra High Vacuum sample preparation, cryogenics and surface-science tools.
• You have strong communication and writing skills in English.
• You are a team player but also do not mind working independently.

The Department of Chemistry at Aarhus University is one of the leading European chemistry departments with a broad research programs. It has a permanent staff of ∼35 full and associate professors, a support-staff of ∼30 people, ∼150 PhD-students and postdocs and around 400 students. Working in Denmark offers opportunities for a good work-life balance. English is widely spoken, though Danish is the main language of campus. English is the working language. Aarhus is Denmark's second largest city, and forms the center of the western parts of the country on the Jutland peninsula. Recently, Aarhus has attracted international attention as a travel destination due to its unique combination of a thriving food-scene, high-quality museums, a surrounding beautiful nature, a very lively city due to the “young population”, many cultural events including music festivals etc.

The place of work is Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.