Vacant job

Are you passionate about cutting-edge nanotechnology?

Join the Langhammer group at Chalmers University of Technology to explore the intersection of advanced nanofabrication, nanofluidics, optical microcavities, and photochemistry.

About the project

Photochemical and photocatalytic reactions are pivotal to science and technology, with applications in organic synthesis, photosensitizers, wastewater treatment, CO2 fixation, and solar fuel production. At the same time, geometrically confining molecules at the nanoscale can alter reaction pathways, and it is hypothesized that optical microcavities may offer further, to-date unexplored, handles for tuning photochemical reactions by significantly enhancing the interaction between light and molecules inside the cavity.

This project combines these paradigms to create integrated nanoarchitectures comprised of optical cavities integrated with nanofluidic systems, enabling simultaneous nanoconfinement of chemical reactants and light. These nanoarchitectures aim to revolutionize photochemical synthesis, unlocking pathways for producing challenging organic compounds such as chiral and bioactive molecules.

About the research group hosting the position:

The Langhammer group at the Chemical Physics Division specializes in nanomaterials science, catalysis, nanoplasmonics, sensors, and nanofluidics. Furthermore, we develop advanced optical microscopy techniques, state-of-the-art nanofabrication methodologies, and custom research instruments.

Contract terms and what we offer

• The PhD positions are fully funded from start.
• As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits.
• The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Your role and responsibilities

• Plan and conduct experiments within the Langhammer group and entire project team including the Shegai and Grommet groups.
• Fabricate nanofluidic structures with integrated optical cavities and characterize their optical properties.
• Study photocatalytic reactions using advanced nanofabrication and characterization techniques.
• Analyze datasets, potentially using machine learning tools developed in the group.
• Present findings in team meetings, international conferences, and publications.
• Supervise Master’s students and contribute to undergraduate teaching.

Who we are looking for

Mandatory:

• Master’s degree in Physics, Applied Physics, or Nanoscience.
• Experimental Master’s thesis in one of these fields.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English (documentation required for non-native speakers).

Preferred (in decreasing order of importance):

• Coursework or thesis in nanophotonics, micro-/nanofabrication, nanofluidics, or advanced optical microscopy/spectroscopy.
• Hands-on experience in:
• Micro-/nanofabrication
• Nanophotonics
• Nanofluidics
• Advanced optical microscopy
• Programming skills (Python, MATLAB).
• Familiarity with simulation tools like Comsol Multiphysics or Lumerical (FDTD).
• Experience analyzing complex datasets, including machine learning methods.

Application procedure

Please go to this webpage to read more about the application procedure and apply: Chalmers vacancies (https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=13594&rmlang=UK)

Application deadline: March 16, 2025

For questions, please contact: Prof. Christoph Langhammer, Chemical Physics, Physics, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), +46(0)317723331

We look forward to your application!

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping, and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.