PhD Position in Material Physics at Uppsala University

Uppsala University hereby announces a PhD position in material physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy covers a wide range of physics topics, distributed across nine divisions. The department is located in the Ångström Laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, of which 100 are PhD students. It offers a wide range of physics courses for students and PhD candidates, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, as well as opportunities for partnerships with industry and various outreach activities.

Read more about the department (https://www.uu.se/institution/fysik-och-astronomi)

The research in Material Physics at Uppsala University aims to understand how the structure and composition of materials relate to physical properties across multiple length scales – from the atomic level to the macroscopic. Core areas include magnetic materials, hydrogen, energy materials, soft materials, and the interaction between ions and solids.

Read more about Material Physics (https://www.uu.se/institution/fysik-och-astronomi/forskning/materialfysik)

Project Description

The PhD project will focus on structural manipulation and synthesis of 2D materials. Within the project, the student will use ion irradiation to functionalize 2D substrates with defects. They will then use ion implantation at ultra-low energies to introduce metal atoms into the systems. By controlling both processes, the student will explore the formation of atomically thin metal layers. The structures will be characterized at the atomic scale using spectroscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy, and their properties will be mapped. The investigation aims to illuminate the growth process at the atomic scale for thin metal layers on 2D substrates. By controlling the synthesis, the metal layers will be studied concerning their properties as electrical contacts. The high-quality source-drain contact in a semiconductor device is crucial for its performance, function, and durability. The chemical interactions at the interface between the nanomaterial and the electrode govern everything.

Job Responsibilities

The PhD project will focus on gaining new information about the synthesis of 2D metals on defect-engineered substrates. More specifically, this includes:

• producing 2D samples via mechanical exfoliation or other methods;
• participating in upgrading/testing the infrastructure currently available to enable implantation at ultra-low energies;
• using ion irradiation to structurally modify and create selected defects in the samples;
• using ion implantation to synthesize metal layers on the defective substrate;
• using spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and I-V measurements to characterize the samples and their properties;
• analyzing data and creating figures with Python;
• participating in research visits at partner facilities;
• disseminating results at international conferences;
• preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications

Eligible for doctoral education is someone who has:

• a master's degree (advanced level) in a natural science subject, or
• completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level, including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits, or in some other way acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.

The candidate must demonstrate excellent communication skills in English and outstanding academic merits; possess the personal qualities required to fully perform the tasks included in the position.

For employment as a PhD student, the holder must be admitted or will be admitted to doctoral education, where the applicant's ability to successfully complete the doctoral education will be crucial.

Desirable/meritorious

A background in either physics, materials science, or equivalent is considered meritorious, along with practical experience with 2D materials, ultra-high vacuum systems, and materials research with ion irradiation. Strong skills in data analysis are essential.

Regulations for PhD students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, Sections 1-7, as well as in regulations (https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/organisation-styrning/regler/).

More information about doctoral education (https://www.uu.se/vetenskapsomrade/teknik-och-naturvetenskap/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva) can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology's website.

About the Position

The position is temporary, according to HF Chapter 5, Section 7. The extent is full-time. Start date is September 1, 2025, or by agreement. Place of employment: Uppsala

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Harriet Åhlgren, harriet.ahlgren@helsinki.fi (mailto:harriet.ahlgren@helsinki.fi), Gabriella Andersson, gabriella.andersson@physics.uu.se (mailto:gabriella.andersson@physics.uu.se), or Daniel Primetzhofer, daniel.primetzhofer@physics.uu.se (mailto:daniel.primetzhofer@physics.uu.se)

Application Information

The application should include a brief description of research interests and previous experience, a CV, copies of degrees, and a copy of your master's thesis (or a draft thereof). Candidates are encouraged to provide letters of recommendation and contact information for references (for example, for master's thesis work).

Welcome with your application by May 2, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/923.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The position may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved during the security clearance.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.