Postdoctoral researcher in ion-beam based materials physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Researcher In Ion-Beam Based Materials Physics At The Department Of Physics And Astronomy

Are you interested in working with ion beams and ion scattering methods, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University at the Department of Physics and Astronomy utilizing and further developing the Tandem Laboratory National Research Infrastructure.

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over nine divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 100 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities.

The research within the division of Materials Physics, at Uppsala University, is centred around understanding the physical properties of materials by analysing their structure and composition across multiple length scales, from the atomic to the macroscopic, and linking them to functional properties. Core areas are magnetism, hydrogen, energy materials, soft matter and ion-solid interactions.

The recruiting group in the Materials Physics division within the Department of Physics and Astronomy uses beams of swift ions to link structure and composition on a true atomistic scale with physical properties and macroscopic functionality in advanced materials for in particular energy applications. The group also performs fundamental investigations of the interaction of ions in matter to obtain a better understanding of the underlying physics and improved methods. These methods permit determination of concentrations and depth profiles of atoms and molecules in a material with very high accuracy for samples from biological, environmental and technological contexts. They can also be used to tailor material properties such as crystallinity or local chemical composition. A 5 MV tandem accelerator, a 350 kV high current ion implanter and a Low-Energy Ion Scattering System form the experimental platform.

Uppsala University hereby declares a postdoctoral researcher position, at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, to be open for application. A successful applicant is expected to work in basic and applied research within materials physics. The candidate is expected to employ keV and MeV ion beams as both an analytical tool and a means for material modification. One focus area will be development of ion beam analysis tools for chemical composition with high spatial resolution in combination with other complementary analytical tools. Applied research conducted mainly for ultra-thin film systems of relevance in electronics, optics, for hard coatings and in related interdisciplinary projects can be part of the working duties. Taking over responsibilities in collaboration projects with industry is anticipated. Supervision of undergraduate and PhD-student projects can be part of the working duties. The work will be of primarily experimental character.

The postdoctoral researcher will be affiliated with the division of Materials Physics and is expected to conduct mainly experimental work at the Tandem Laboratory national research infrastructure. The project will comprise both applied and fundamental activities. One key focus will be on experimental ion-beam based studies to link structure and composition in complex material systems to their physical properties as well as macroscopic functionality using ion beams with keV and MeV energies. In parallel, fundamental investigations of ion-matter interaction relevant for the employed methods and their development can be part of the working duties.

More specifically, this will include:

• Experiments to measure structure and composition in complex material systems on the micro- and nanoscale and link it to their physical properties as well as macroscopic functionality.
• Handling and development of large-scale instrumentation for non-destructive materials analysis.
• Synthesis and modification of material systems relevant for the studies named above.
• Experiments to better understand the fundamental principles governing ion-solid interaction
• Handling and analysis of complex experimental data, evaluation and simulation with e.g. Monte-Carlo and Molecular Dynamics approaches.

PhD degree in physics, engineering or equivalent subject or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in one of these subjects. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Priority will be given to applicants who have completed their degree no more than three years before the deadline for applications. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc. Experience using ion beams with keV or MeV ion energies in fundamental and applied research is required. Well-documented research experience using ion beams and handling ion beam instrumentation for material research, fundamental studies or materials modifications is necessary. Good oral and written proficiency in English.

It is expected that the successful candidate has the personal capabilities necessary to fully carry out the duties of the appointment.

Well-documented understanding of fundamentals of ion-solid interaction is advantageous.

Experience of development of instrumentation for ion-beam based material research is considered a merit.

The employment is a temporary position of 2 years with possible prolongation by 1 year. Full time position. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Daniel Primetzhofer, daniel.primetzhofer@physics.uu.se

Applications should include a brief description of research interest and past experience, a CV, copies of degrees and grades, a copy of your Master thesis (or a draft thereof) and other relevant documents. The candidates are encouraged to provide letter(s) of recommendation and contact information to reference persons.

Please submit your application by 9 June 2026, UFV-PA 2026/1442.