Vacant job

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest higher education institutions, with over 41,500 students and approximately 4,600 employees. The university offers a wide variety of high-quality education and world-leading research across several scientific fields. It was here that the groundbreaking discovery of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 was made, a discovery that was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.

The societal transformation and major green investments we see in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, this involves conducting research on – and within – a society in transition. It also involves delivering education for regions that need to expand rapidly and sustainably. It is simply where the future is being created.

Are you interested in learning more? Read more about Umeå University as an employer.

The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics belongs to the Faculty of Science and Technology and operates within several engineering fields. Both education and research take place here, often within projects with various types of funding, making the financial work varied and closely tied to operations.

We are now looking for a Staff Scientist in Material Analysis for Multifunctional Applications. The application deadline is July 16, 2026. The position is full-time for 10 weeks, with a start date of August 16 or an adjacent date.

Project Description

Through the characterization and investigation of materials, the research aims to increase the understanding of material properties and how these properties can be utilized for applications. The current project focuses on calcium phosphates and how they can be modified to optimize them for various uses.

The research includes the synthesis, characterization, and analysis of doped calcium phosphates. Various measurement methods, including SEM, EDS, and XRD, as well as different spectroscopic methods such as dielectric spectroscopy, will be used. Simulation of the materials' temperature-dependent properties will be performed using thermochemical modeling.

Main Responsibilities

The position involves participating in research projects that include the synthesis of inorganic chemical compounds, such as calcium phosphates, and analyzing material properties through various physical measurement methods, such as scanning electron microscopy, laboratory-scale X-ray-based methods and/or synchrotrons, and other spectroscopic methods. A key part of the role involves contributing to the publication of results in scientific journals. The position also entails contributing to the preparation of research funding applications.

Qualifications

You hold a PhD in Applied Physics or an equivalent PhD considered relevant.

You must have documented expertise and demonstrated research competence in X-ray-based analysis methods and other spectroscopic methods for the characterization of materials and their properties.

Basic knowledge of Swedish and good proficiency in English, both spoken and written, are required, as is a very strong ability to write scientific publications.

Personal qualities such as teamwork and communication skills, as well as initiative and the ability to work independently, are also highly valued.

We are looking for someone with a strong interest in research within this field.

Additional Information

The position is full-time for 10 weeks, with a start date of August 16 or an adjacent date.

Application

Your application must be registered via the e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 2026-07-16.

The application should consist of the following documents:

• A cover letter with a brief description of your qualifications, scientific interests, and motivation for applying (max two pages).
• A merit list – CV with a publication list.
• A certified copy of your PhD degree certificate or documentation proving when the PhD is expected to be awarded.
• A copy of your doctoral thesis and a maximum of 3 relevant articles.
• Other documents the applicant wishes to submit.
• References will be provided in connection with a potential interview.

Additional Information

For further information about the position, please contact Prefect Britt Andersson ([email protected]).

We welcome your application!

Umeå University aims to offer an equal and inclusive environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lays the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. Therefore, we welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position.

To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you who are sales representatives: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sales of additional job advertisements.