Postdoctoral Position in Material Physics

Do you want to work with physics and fusion materials, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employee relations and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University.

Within the Department of Material Physics, the research is primarily experimental and aimed at understanding how the structure and composition of materials relate to physical properties across multiple length scales – from atomic level to macroscopic. Core areas include magnetic materials, hydrogen, energy materials, soft materials, and interactions between ions and solids. Read more about the department here: https://www.uu.se/institution/fysik-och-astronomi (https://www.uu.se/institution/fysik-och-astronomi).

Uppsala University hereby announces a postdoctoral position at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Division of Material Physics, open for applications.

The project will focus on studies of kinetic processes for light elements in plasma-exposed materials for fusion applications. The work will encompass both studies of the fundamental aspects of the interaction between ions and solid materials, such as erosion and implantation in the material, as well as the development and improvement of analytical methods for the detection of light elements with high resolution and sensitivity. An important part of the work will be to perform high-sensitivity time-of-flight measurements of species desorbed during ion bombardment (electronic sputtering) in combination with high-resolution depth profiling. The work will primarily be experimental in nature.

Job Responsibilities

The project will focus on experiments to study light elements such as H, He, or O in various material systems. More specifically, this will include:

• Experiments to detect light elements in materials that have been exposed to different environments.
• Synthesis, production, modification, and characterization of plasma-resistant materials.
• Management and development of large-scale equipment for non-destructive material analysis, primarily using ions for in-situ and in-operando analysis.
• Management and analysis of complex measurement data, evaluation, and simulation using, among others, Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics calculations.

Qualifications

PhD in physics, engineering, or a related field, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD in physics, engineering, or a related field. The degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made. Preferably, candidates who have completed their degree within the last three years will be considered. In calculating the three-year frame, the deadline for applications is the starting point. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, or trust assignments within trade unions, etc.

Experience in materials research, preferably with ion beam techniques and plasma-exposed materials, is required. Well-documented experience in handling vacuum instruments for materials research is also required. Good ability to communicate orally and in writing in English is a requirement.

Desirable/Meritorious

Experience with particle detectors and electronics is considered meritorious, as is good knowledge of ion-solid interactions. The applicant is expected to have the personal qualities required to effectively perform the tasks within the position.

About the Position

The position is temporary for 2 years according to the central collective agreement. The extent is full-time. Start date 2026-05-01 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Eduardo Pitthan Filho, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or Daniel Primetzhofer, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Welcome with your application by March 6, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/284.

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/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The position may be subject to security clearance. A condition 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.

Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), Seko - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), ST (OFR/S) - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])