The Department of Physics is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within the project ‘Ultrafast dynamics in quantum materials’. The scholarship is full-time for two years with access 1st of September 2026 or by agreement. Last day to apply is 31st of July 2026.
Departmental specific information
The Department of Physics at Umeå University conducts strong research in the areas of condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics and theoretical physics. The Utrafast Nanoscience group focuses on the study of both the fundamental and applied aspects of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. In particular they study light-driven charge, spin and lattice dynamics in nanomaterials, molecules and hybrid nanosystems, as well as fundamental chemical and biological processes with a special focus on photochemistry and structural biology. Please find more information https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/nicolo-maccaferri-lab/.
Project description
How can ultrashort light pulses reveal – and ultimately control – the fastest processes in quantum materials and nanostructures? This project explores how charge, spin, lattice and hybrid light–matter states evolve on femtosecond timescales, with the aim of uncovering new routes towards energy-efficient information technologies and deeper understanding of emergent phenomena in condensed matter. By combining ultrafast optical spectroscopy with advanced materials and temperature-dependent studies, the scholarship recipient will be able to investigate questions at the frontier of photonics, magnetism and quantum materials.
The scholarship is hosted in the Department of Physics at Umeå University, within the Ultrafast Nanoscience group led by Nicolò Maccaferri. The group offers a creative, international and strongly collaborative setting, with access to advanced ultrafast spectroscopy platforms and a broad research profile spanning condensed matter, nanophotonics, functional materials, photochemistry and structural biology. This creates excellent opportunities for the scholarship recipient to deepen their scientific profile, build international networks and develop independent research ideas in a vibrant interdisciplinary environment.
The stipend scholarship is for two years, financed by the Kempe Foundation for 360,000 SEK per year, and is tax-free.
The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to:
Explore ultrafast charge, spin and lattice dynamics in quantum materials, nanostructures and hybrid systems using state-of-the-art optical spectroscopy,
Develop their expertise in temperature-dependent studies and advanced light–matter interaction experiments relevant to future photonic and quantum technologies,
Grow in an interdisciplinary and internationally connected research environment with strong opportunities for scientific exchange and merit building.
This scholarship suits candidates who are excited by fundamental questions and motivated by the possibility that discoveries in ultrafast science can shape future technologies. It offers a chance to build a strong research profile at the intersection of physics, materials science and photonics in one of northern Sweden’s most dynamic research environments.
Qualifications
The applicant must have a PhD degree in experimental physics or equivalent, with wide understanding and strong expertise in the generation, manipulation, and characterization of ultrashort light pulses. Furthermore, the applicant must be familiar with relevant experimental techniques exploring the interaction between light and matter in the ultrafast regime. Skills in LabView, Python and/or MATLAB programming are considered an asset.
To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.
Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree before that 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, or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
Doctoral degree should be within Experimental Physics.
Additional requirements are: documented understanding and familiarity with experimental techniques exploring the interaction between light and matter in the ultrafast regime (e.g., pump-probe and multidimensional spectroscopy, electro-optic sampling, etc.)
Meriting criteria are:
Proficiency in LabVIEW, Python and/or MATLAB, including proven expertise in the design and implementation of lab instrumentation using any of these languages.
Demonstrated experience in the fabrication or handling of relevant sample systems, such as photonic devices, quantum materials, or nanostructures.
Familiarity with cryogenic measurement environments and cryostat operation.
A demonstrated track record of independent initiative, such as leading the development of new experimental capabilities or driving collaborations.
We are looking for candidates who have a strong self-driven and self-organized personality.
The candidate should be fluent in both spoken and written English.
The candidate is expected to draft scientific articles, independently analyse data and draw conclusions, and present research results at national and international conferences.
Application
The application should be written in English or Swedish, and attached documents should be in Word or PDF format. The application should be registered via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi and submitted by the deadline 31 July 2026.
A full application should include:
Motivation letter (max 1 page) in which it is discussed also how previous research experience and skills fits with the advertised position,
Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
Copy of doctoral thesis
Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.
Contact information to two persons willing to act as references.
Further information
For more information, please contact Associate Professor
