PhD student in Ultrafast THz and X-ray Spectroscopy

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over ten divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 125 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities. More information can be found on our website www.physics.uu.se.

Research area

The research will be conducted in the Chemical and Bio-Molecular Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University, which focuses on understanding the fundamental properties and ultrafast processes of matter at the atomic length and time scales of Ångströms and femtoseconds. The program has a leading position in the use of X-rays for probing atoms, molecules and chemical and biomolecular systems. We develop and apply novel X-ray methods and instrumentation and aim at revealing how the properties of a system result from its electronic structure and dynamics with applications in environmental, biophysical and chemical systems.

The PhD student will develop novel ultrafast THz/X-ray spectroscopic techniques and apply them to homogeneous transition metal catalysts with relevance in light-harvesting and bond activation. The PhD position is established together with the European X-ray Free Electron Laser (EuXFEL) in Schenefeld, Germany, where parts of the PhD work will be conducted.

Research tasks

The PhD student will be responsible for the development of novel spectroscopy infrastructure at the EuXFEL as well as in the HELIOS laser laboratory at Uppsala University. The goal is to combine short pulses from the THz, optical and X-ray range to enable THz-based Stark measurements of homogenous transition metal catalysts. The student will design, perform, and analyze experiments aimed at understanding how charge distributions of transition metal complexes determine their reactivity towards specific molecular transformations. Additional responsibilities of the PhD student include the writing of scientific manuscripts, presentation of research findings at internal meetings and international conferences, as well as the active participation in collaborations with other experimental and theoretical groups.

Requirements

To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in physics or chemistry (or related subject), or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.
• and have the personal capabilities necessary to carry out fully the duties of the appointment.

Very good oral and written proficiency in English is a requirement. Appointment as a graduate student requires that the holder is admitted or will be admitted to PhD studies, where the applicant’s ability to successfully complete the doctoral studies will be decisive.

Additional qualifications

Very good knowledge of molecular physics and spectroscopy are considered an asset, as well as previous hands-on experience with molecular (laser) spectroscopy. Experience with the analysis of large data sets as well as with quantum chemical simulations is an advantage, but not necessarily required.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 01-01-2026 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Dr. Raphael Jay, raphael.jay@physics.uu.se, phone +46 76-022 67 04

In this recruitment we have replaced the cover letter with questions that you are asked to answer when making your application. The answers will be used as a part of the selection process.

Please submit your application by 28 November 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3433.