Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
Umeå University, Sweden, is inviting qualified, motivated and technically skilled scientists to apply for a 2-year postdoctoral position aimed at the development of a novel organic-electronics technology, termed a light-emitting electrochemical cell (LEC). The LEC is currently attracting increasing interest from both academia and industry since it can: (i) deliver bright and easily patterned light emission at low voltage; (ii) be thin, lightweight and flexible; (iii) be fabricated in its entirety by cost- and energy-efficient ambient-air printing; (iv) be highly sustainable (free from toxic and rare compounds and potentially recyclable).
The research will be performed in “The Organic Photonics and Electronics Group” (web: opeg-umu.com), and the selected postdoc will be part of a larger collaboration, with industry and international academic actors, aimed at the development of a printed white-emitting LEC that fulfills specific performance criteria for practical applications. The postdoc’s primary task will be to develop the light-emitting active material, and it is thus preferable if you have experience with the development and/or utilization of solution-processable emitters for the attainment of white and/or blue light emission. It is further preferable if you are interested in both academic publishing and in the realization of practical devices in collaboration with industry.
For information on relevant background research, please refer to our earlier publications: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-55954-3 and doi.org/10.1002/ente.201402201 and doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24761-x
Why Join?
Innovative Research: Contribute to cutting-edge research that aims to revolutionize how light-emission devices can be fabricated and utilized.
Professional Growth: Training on, and utilization of, state-of-the-art facilities, funding for conferences, and ample possibilities for professional development.
Collaborative Environment: Work in a dynamic and supportive team with ongoing collaborations with leading groups in academia and with a direct connection to industry.
Quality of Life: Enjoy Umeå’s vibrant cultural scene and experience its grand natural surroundings, its beautiful winters, and the magical northern lights.
Qualifications
To be appointed under postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, in accordance with what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree earlier than that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, military service or similar circumstances, as well as other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
The PhD degree should be in Materials Science, Organic or Printed Electronics, Experimental Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Additional requirements
Documented experience with the synthesis, development and/or utilization of solution-processible emitters for implementation in light-emission devices.
Documented experience with light-emission devices, such as OLEDs or LECs.
Demonstrated early-career achievements, including scientific publications and international academic and/or industrial collaboration.
Strong proficiency in written and spoken English.
Contract terms
Full-time temporary position for two (2) years. The employment starts November 1, 2025 or according to agreement.
Application procedure
Your application should be written in English (preferred) or in Swedish and in the form of PDF files. It must be submitted through our electronic recruitment system, Varbi. You can log in to Varbi and submit your application via the button at the bottom of this page.
Required documents:
Curriculum vitae (CV), including a full list of publications with DOIs.
Personal letter (1-3 pages) describing your qualifications and research interests, as well as your motivation for application and future professional goals.
Electronic copy of your PhD thesis.
Certified copies of degrees, grades, and other relevant certificates.
Contact information (email and phone number) to two scientists willing to act as references.
Application deadline October 31th, 2025. Note that applications will be evaluated continuously, and that the position can be filled prior to the deadline.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
