Postdoctoral Researcher in Material Physics

The work in the currently recruiting research group within the Department of Material Physics is conducted in collaboration with the two major facilities ISIS and ESS.

ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Facility, in the UK, is a world-leading center for scientific research. It hosts more than 30 instruments for exploring materials down to the atomic scale and serves as a base for over 3000 researchers in fields such as energy, environment, medicine, and health. The research also includes nanoscience, catalysis, and polymers, as well as fundamental studies of material properties. Read more here (https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk/). ESS (European Spallation Source) is a European research center under construction in Lund, Sweden, with 13 member countries. The facility includes the most powerful linear accelerator ever built, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, and a supercomputer center for data management and software. ESS has approximately 600 employees and will open for users in 2027, after the first neutrons are released in 2025. Read more here (https://www.ess.eu/).

Job Responsibilities

This postdoctoral researcher will be employed in the Department of Material Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy and will be part of a group working with neutron scattering methods. The position is based in Uppsala with extended stays at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source near Oxford (UK) and the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund (Sweden). Both ISIS and ESS are at the forefront of neutron science, combining decades of excellence with the development of next-generation neutron sources and instrumentation. ISIS is a globally leading interdisciplinary institution where curiosity-driven research meets application-oriented science and engineering, while ESS – currently preparing for operation – will be the world's most powerful neutron source, built as a partnership between 13 European countries. The projects offer a unique opportunity to work in collaborative international environments alongside world-leading researchers, engineers, and technicians, contributing to groundbreaking instrumentation and scientific discoveries with broad impacts on society, technology, and science.

The current postdoctoral researcher will use “Spin-Echo Modulated Small-Angle Neutron Scattering” (SEMSANS) to extend available length scales beyond conventional small-angle scattering (SANS) and to obtain spatially resolved scattering signals using dark field imaging. SEMSANS uses polarized neutrons to encode small scattering angles without the need for a well-collimated neutron beam, measures the autocorrelation function over mesoscopic length scales, and investigates structural properties from micrometer to nanometer range. The method relies on modulation of the neutron beam polarization using a pair of magnetic Wollaston prisms - superconducting triangular field regions - placed upstream of the sample. The postdoctoral researcher will work on the design and implementation of the Wollaston prisms and a “spin exchange optically pumped” (SEOP) neutron spin analyzer. Both will be developed at a test instrument at ISIS. Once the new features are implemented, they will be utilized on the Larmor and IMAT instruments at ISIS. When ESS becomes available with its new long neutron pulses, the method will be integrated and used on the imaging instrument ODIN and the SANS instrument SKADI, both at ESS. This will enable unique studies of flow grids in intermediate mixed superconductors, characterization of vesicles in model cell systems, and resolution of hierarchical cellulose microstructures in collaboration with project partners.

Qualifications

A PhD in physics, materials science, or a related scientific field is required, with the following qualifications:

• Strongly documented interest in materials science.
• Understanding of scattering techniques.
• Experience with instrumentation and experimental work conducted at photon or neutron facilities or similar.
• Skills in using Python for data processing and evaluation.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken) are required. Non-Swedish speaking candidates are encouraged to learn Swedish during the employment period.
• Documented experience in presenting scientific results both orally and in writing.
• Publication in relevant subjects in internationally recognized scientific journals.

The ability and willingness to travel internationally and work abroad for extended periods is mandatory for this position.

Desirable/meritorious qualifications

• Experience in small-angle scattering, imaging, polarized neutrons, and spin manipulation techniques such as neutron spin echo methods or other advanced scattering techniques, such as coherent diffractive imaging and phase contrast imaging.
• Competence in the development and deployment of instrumentation.
• Experience in research in an international environment and scientific project management.
• Competence in working in interdisciplinary environments.

About the Position

The position is temporary for 3 years according to the central collective agreement. The extent is full-time. Start date 2026-09-01 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala, Department of Physics and Astronomy.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Max Wolff, +46 18 471 3590, [email protected].

Welcome with your application by March 18, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/413.

Please note that this is a shortened version of the advertisement. To see the full advertisement, please click on “Apply here” or visit Uppsala University's website for job advertisements. 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 here (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.

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Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

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