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.
The Department of Physics currently has about 100 employees and conducts research in areas such as Material Science and Nanotechnology, Atomic/Molecular and Optical Physics, Complex Systems and Computational Physics, Biophysics, and Plasma and Space physics. The Department is now seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a project that aims to develop luminescent carbon dots for light-emitting applications. The position is full-time for two years, starting on April 1, 2026, or by agreement. The deadline for submitting an application is February 2, 2026.
Project Description and Tasks In the project “All-Plant-Based Artificial Lighting Solution for Greenhouses”, we propose to design and synthesize sustainable, high- luminescent nanomaterials, specifically carbon dots, derived from plant-based resources, to replace non-sustainable incumbents in light-emitting applications, such as rare-earth-based phosphors and heavy-metal-based quantum dots. We will explore the potential of these sustainable luminescent nanomaterials as color-converting layers in light-emitting devices and in other advanced optoelectronic applications.
Our primary task within the project is the design, synthesis, and characterization of environmentally friendly, biomass-derived emissive carbon dots. The application of these luminescent nanomaterials will involve their use as color-conversion layers or as active layers in light-emitting devices. Therefore, a second task in the project is to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with other researchers.
This project is funded by the Bertil and Britt Svenssons Foundation for Lighting Technology.
Qualifications To be appointed under the 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 will be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree earlier may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
Required qualifications are:
We are looking for a candidate who has demonstrated ability to work independently with initiative, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility to reliably complete agreed research tasks.
A PhD degree (or a foreign degree deemed equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
Documented experience in the synthesis and purification of organic semiconductors, nanoparticles, or quantum dots. Experience with the synthesis of carbon dots is particularly valuable.
Documented experience in materials characterization, such as NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, and electron microscopy.
Documented experience in photophysical characterization, including UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, PL quantum yield measurements and other relevant techniques.
Good skills in both written and spoken English are essential.
It is meriting to have one or more of the following skills:
General skills in the manufacture and characterization of thin-film samples, e.g. spin coating, physical vapor deposition, spray coating, surface property characterizations,
General skills regarding fabrication or characterization of optoelectronic devices.
Application
The complete application should include:
Cover letter stating your motivations for applying and summarizing your qualifications for the position, your previous research experience as well as your experience in the areas mentioned above (max. two pages),
Curriculum vitae with publication list,
Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
Verified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,
Copy or download links of doctoral thesis and up to three relevant articles,
At least one signed letter of recommendation from referees who are qualified to assess the applicant’s research competence,
Contact information for two referees who are willing to act as references,
Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.
The application, including attached documents, must be written in English or Swedish. Documents sent electronically must be in PDF format. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system Varbi. Application deadline is 2 Febryary, 2026.
Further information
For more information, please contact Jia Wang, jia.wang@umu.se.
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.
