Postdoctoral Position in Physics (University of Gothenburg)

Reference number PAR 2025/502 The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. Doctoral position in Physics The Department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg is located in the center of Gothenburg, with approximately 100 employees. The communication routes are good both nationally and internationally. The research focuses within the fields of Atom- and Molecular Physics, Condensed Matter Physics and Spintronics, and Complex Systems and Biophysics and is performed in an international environment with extensive national and international collaborations. The education programs at the Department include Bachelor- and Master programs in Physics, physics teacher-training programs, as well as outreach courses in Physics aimed for the general public. Gothenburg Physics Centre is a close collaboration with three other departments within the Faculty of Science and Chalmers University of Technology, which creates an innovative environment for all researchers and students at the department. For further information about the Department of Physics, please visit our website at www.physics.gu.se/english. More information about Gothenburg Physics Centre can be found at www.chalmers.se/en/centres/gpc. General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies. About the research group One of the department’s most prominent and successful research areas is spintronics, led by the research group of Professor Johan Åkerman. The group focuses on magnetodynamic phenomena, spin and orbital torques, nanofabrication and the fundamental physics of spintronic oscillators. Their work also explores the use of these oscillators in unconventional computing hardware, including neuromorphic systems, reservoir computing, and Ising machines. The group possesses strong expertise in magnetic, electrical, and optical characterization techniques particularly micro-focused Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) and leverages GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations to study and develop spin Hall nano-oscillators. Prof. Åkerman’s team currently leads a major project funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR) through a Distinguished Professor Grant, aimed at advancing next-generation spintronic devices. To further strengthen these efforts, the department is seeking two Ph. D. students to actively contribute to this cutting-edge project and help drive its continued progress. Duties The Ph.D. student will focus on the development and investigation of spin Hall nano-oscillators via different methods, namely nano-fabrication, electrical & optical measurements and simulations. This position plays a key role in advancing cutting-edge research in nano-electronic device fabrication and characterization, with a focus on developing energy-efficient spintronic oscillators. The position requires proficiency and interest in the field of condensed matter physics particularly nanomagnetism, spintronics and experimental research. The position will involve thin film deposition using physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques, magnetic characterizations including ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), spin-torque FMR, and second harmonic Hall measurements. Strong interest and experience in one of these domains will be considered advantageous: nanofabrication and characterization of spin-orbit torques/spintronic oscillators devices Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) microscopy GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations. Additional responsibilities include the development and maintenance of growth and measurement instruments/setups. Proficiency in LabVIEW and Python for instrument control and data analysis is advantageous. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with other PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to both experimental design and data interpretation. Further responsibilities include publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting results at international scientific conferences. Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.  As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration. Eligibility Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject. The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are: having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad. To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must: have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or have completed a corresponding programme of relevance to the planned third-cycle programme, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications. Relevant for the planned third-cycle education. The specific entry requirements also include an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidelines for assessing English proficiency may include a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL test (or 213 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 on the TOEFL-iBT). You need to be motivated and able to work individually and at the same time have a good ability to collaborate with other researchers in an interdisciplinary collaboration. Assessment criteria* The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies. Admission and employment Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg. The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100. Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time. A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years. Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, 4 years full time Extent: 100% Location: Department of Physics, Gothenburg First day of employment: 1^st October 2025 The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students. Please note, doctoral studies at The department of Physics require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, The department of Physics has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies. Contact information Regarding the position please contact Johan Åkerman, Professor, johan.akerman@physics.gu.se Unions Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande Application Apply online to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. The application shall include: Cover letter with an explanation of why you apply for the position CV including scientific publications Copy of exam certificate Two referees (name, telephone number, relation) The application is to be written in English. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. Applications must be received by: 31-07-2025. Information for International Applicants Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Reference number PAR 2025/502

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

Doctoral position in Physics

The Department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg is located in the center of Gothenburg, with approximately 100 employees. The communication routes are good both nationally and internationally. The research focuses within the fields of Atom- and Molecular Physics, Condensed Matter Physics and Spintronics, and Complex Systems and Biophysics and is performed in an international environment with extensive national and international collaborations. The education programs at the Department include Bachelor- and Master programs in Physics, physics teacher-training programs, as well as outreach courses in Physics aimed for the general public. Gothenburg Physics Centre is a close collaboration with three other departments within the Faculty of Science and Chalmers University of Technology, which creates an innovative environment for all researchers and students at the department.

For further information about the Department of Physics, please visit our website at www.physics.gu.se/english. More information about Gothenburg Physics Centre can be found at www.chalmers.se/en/centres/gpc.

General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies.

About the research group

One of the department’s most prominent and successful research areas is spintronics, led by the research group of Professor Johan Åkerman. The group focuses on magnetodynamic phenomena, spin and orbital torques, nanofabrication and the fundamental physics of spintronic oscillators. Their work also explores the use of these oscillators in unconventional computing hardware, including neuromorphic systems, reservoir computing, and Ising machines. The group possesses strong expertise in magnetic, electrical, and optical characterization techniques particularly micro-focused Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) and leverages GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations to study and develop spin Hall nano-oscillators. Prof. Åkerman’s team currently leads a major project funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR) through a Distinguished Professor Grant, aimed at advancing next-generation spintronic devices. To further strengthen these efforts, the department is seeking two Ph. D. students to actively contribute to this cutting-edge project and help drive its continued progress.

Duties

The Ph.D. student will focus on the development and investigation of spin Hall nano-oscillators via different methods, namely nano-fabrication, electrical & optical measurements and simulations. This position plays a key role in advancing cutting-edge research in nano-electronic device fabrication and characterization, with a focus on developing energy-efficient spintronic oscillators. The position requires proficiency and interest in the field of condensed matter physics particularly nanomagnetism, spintronics and experimental research. The position will involve thin film deposition using physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques, magnetic characterizations including ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), spin-torque FMR, and second harmonic Hall measurements.

Strong interest and experience in one of these domains will be considered advantageous:

nanofabrication and characterization of spin-orbit torques/spintronic oscillators devices
Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) microscopy
GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations.

Additional responsibilities include the development and maintenance of growth and measurement instruments/setups. Proficiency in LabVIEW and Python for instrument control and data analysis is advantageous. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with other PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to both experimental design and data interpretation. Further responsibilities include publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting results at international scientific conferences.

Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree. 

As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.

Eligibility

Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.

The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:

having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or
the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.

To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must:

have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or
have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or
have completed a corresponding programme of relevance to the planned third-cycle programme, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.

*Relevant for the planned third-cycle education.

The specific entry requirements also include an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidelines for assessing English proficiency may include a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL test (or 213 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 on the TOEFL-iBT). You need to be motivated and able to work individually and at the same time have a good ability to collaborate with other researchers in an interdisciplinary collaboration.

Assessment criteria

The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies.

Admission and employment

Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.

The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.

Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.

A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years.

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, 4 years full time
Extent: 100%
Location: Department of Physics, Gothenburg
First day of employment: 1^st October 2025

The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.

Please note, doctoral studies at The department of Physics require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, The department of Physics has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.

Contact information

Regarding the position please contact Johan Åkerman, Professor,
johan.akerman@physics.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande

Application

Apply online to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.

The application shall include:

Cover letter with an explanation of why you apply for the position
CV including scientific publications
Copy of exam certificate
Two referees (name, telephone number, relation)

The application is to be written in English.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

Applications must be received by: 31-07-2025.

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

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