Postdoctoral fellow in materials physics with speciality in tuning of magnetic properties - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is the second largest at Uppsala University with around 380 employees and 10 different divisions and is situated at the Ångström Laboratory in Uppsala. Webpage: http://www.physics.uu.se

Postdoctoral fellow in materials physics with speciality in tuning of magnetic propertiesat the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Division of Materials Physics, starting June 1, 2018, or as agreed upon, and with a duration of maximum two years.

Position summary

This is a full-time, temporary research employment in experimental materials physics with particular focus on tuning of magnetic properties of metallic thin films and nanostructures for applications in permanent magnets and/or magnetocaloric materials. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

The work will be performed mostly at the Division of Materials Physics of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University. Occasional visits to experimental facilities elsewhere may be required. Please read more about the research in the division at http://www.physics.uu.se/research/materials-physics+/

Information about the project

By studying model systems we can understand the fundamental mechanisms behind how composition and local atomic structure affect overall magnetic behaviour of a material, and this knowledge may later be used for designing materials for specific applications. The goals of this recently started project are to further unravel physical origins of magnetic properties of amorphous or crystalline metallic alloys and nanostructures, and to explore how combinations of different phases can be used to create materials with tailored performance for future applications, with special focus on energy conversion (permanent magnets and magnetocaloric materials).

All-metallic thin films and heterostructures are produced under highly controlled conditions, primarily by magnetron sputtering. Promising materials may also be considered for use in e.g. micro- or nanoscale patterned arrays. Structural characterization methods include, but are not restricted to, e.g. x-ray or neutron scattering and EXAFS, whereas magnetic characterization is done primarily with various magnetometry techniques. A large part of the project concerns imaging of magnetic domain structures using mainly magneto-optical methods, but also MFM to some extent, in combination with micromagnetic simulations. Experiments are performed both in-house and at large national and international facilities. Close collaborations with other departments in Sweden and abroad provide access to additional experimental and theoretical methods.

Major responsibilities

You will conduct experimental work in characterization and to some extent fabrication of metallic magnetic materials, which could be amorphous or crystalline. The main focus of the characterization part will be on magnetic properties, but you need to be able to acquire also the relevant information about structure, including the degree of long range order, as well as composition of alloy phases.

Your major responsibility as a postdoctoral fellow is to perform your line of research in the general setting of a research group. The position will include supervision of Master and PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry or the public sector.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of postdoctoral fellow, you must have a doctoral degree in a relevant field before the application deadline; the degree should generally not be older than three years. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. If Swedish is not your native language, you will be encouraged to learn Swedish during your employment. Uppsala University offers Swedish courses.

The application must be written in English and include:

• Letter of motivation, with a short description of your research interests, and why you consider yourself a good match for the project (one, or maximum two, pages).
• CV, including a description of relevant skills and experiences, as well as a full publication list.
• Copy of doctoral degree diploma, and other official transcripts.
• Contact information to a minimum of two, ideally three, individuals, who can provide letters of reference to support your application, with a short description of how these individuals are professionally related to you. 

In the event of special circumstances leading to a career break, these should be mentioned in the CV (with dates) so that the assessment of scientific output and time elapsed since you received your doctoral degree can take these factors into account. Examples of such special circumstances include a leave of absence due to sickness, parental leave, serving on commissions of trust, military service etc. 

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: Individually negotiated salary.

Starting date: 01-06-2018 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of position: Temporary part-time position (100%) ending 31-05-2020.

For further information about the position please contact Gabriella Andersson, (gabriella.andersson@physics.uu.se, +46 (0)18 471 3589).

Please submit your application by 29th April 2018, UFV-PA 2018/1125

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.