Postdoctoral Researcher in Physics at Umeå University

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest institutions of higher education with over 37,000 students and approximately 4,700 employees. The university offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several scientific fields, and it was here that the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.

The societal transformation and significant green investments we are witnessing in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, this means conducting research about – and within – a transforming society. It also involves delivering education for regions that need to expand quickly and sustainably. Simply put, this is where the future is created.

Are you interested in learning more? Read more here (https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/om-universitetet-som-arbetsplats/).

Project Description and Responsibilities

In the project “All-Plant-Based Artificial Lighting Solution for Greenhouses,” we aim to develop and synthesize sustainable nanomaterials with high luminescence, particularly carbon dots derived from plant-based resources, as an alternative to today's unsustainable materials used in light-emitting applications, such as rare earth-based phosphors and heavy metal-based quantum dots. We will investigate the potential of these sustainable luminescent nanomaterials as color-converting layers in light-emitting devices and in other advanced optoelectronic applications.

The main focus of the project is the design, synthesis, and characterization of environmentally friendly, biomass-based emissive carbon dots. The use of these luminescent nanomaterials includes their function as color-converting layers or as active layers in light-emitting components. Therefore, a second central task in the project is to participate in interdisciplinary collaborations with other researchers.

Qualifications

To be employed under the fixed-term employment agreement as a postdoctoral researcher, a completed doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree is required. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than at the time the employment decision is made.

For employment under the postdoctoral agreement, preference will be given to candidates who have obtained their degree as mentioned above within the last three years. If there are special reasons, candidates who obtained their doctoral degree earlier may also be considered. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, trust assignments within trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments in the subject area.

Additional requirements include:

• We are looking for a candidate who has demonstrated the ability to work independently with initiative, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility, and who can reliably carry out agreed research tasks.
• A doctoral degree (or a foreign degree deemed equivalent) in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related field.
• Documented experience in the synthesis and purification of organic semiconductors, nanoparticles, or quantum dots. Experience in the synthesis of carbon dots is particularly valuable.
• Documented experience in material characterization, such as NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, and electron microscopy.
• Documented experience in photophysical characterization, including UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, measurement of photoluminescence quantum yield, and other relevant techniques.
• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.

It is advantageous if the applicant has:

• General knowledge in the fabrication and characterization of thin film samples, such as spin coating, physical vapor deposition, spray coating, and characterization of surface properties.
• General knowledge in the fabrication or characterization of optoelectronic components.

Application

Mandatory documents:

• Cover letter (max 2 pages) presenting your qualifications, research interests, motivation for the application, and future professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae - CV with a publication list,
• Certified copy of the doctoral degree certificate or documentation confirming when the doctoral degree is expected to be obtained,
• Certified copies of other degree certificates, academic course transcripts, and/or grades,
• Copy of the doctoral thesis and a maximum of 3 relevant articles,
• At least one signed recommendation letter from references competent to assess the applicant's research abilities.
• Other documents that the applicant wishes to submit.
• Contact information for two contacted references.

Your application should be written in English (preferred) or Swedish and submitted as PDF files. Applications should be submitted via our electronic recruitment system Varbi. You log in to Varbi and submit your application via the button at the bottom of this page. The deadline for applications is February 2, 2026.

Contact

For more information, contact Jia Wang, [email protected].

Umeå University aims to provide an equal and equitable environment where open conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position.

To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you as a seller: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact with staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of additional job advertisements.