Researcher in Materials Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over nine divisions. The department is located in the Ångström Laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 100 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. 

The research within the division of Materials Physics, at Uppsala University, is centred around understanding the physical properties of materials by analysing their structure and composition across multiple length scales, from the atomic to the macroscopic, and linking them to functional properties. Core areas are magnetism, hydrogen, energy materials, soft matter and ion-solid interactions. Read more about the department here: https://www.physics.uu.se.

Uppsala University hereby announces a researcher position at the Department of Physics and Astronomy open for applications.

The project will focus on completing the development of a combined instrument for  Brillouin scattering and Raman spectroscopy in which samples can be measured either in vacuum or in a gas atmosphere. The development partly consists of enabling measurements on two-dimensional samples such as graphene, improving the quality of the achievable vacuum, and ensuring focused beam sizes down to the micrometer scale.

Duties

The project is focused on experimental instrument development, experimental measurements, as well as data analysis and management:

• Finalise the possibility to achieve depth resolution using a confocal configuration.
• Develop sample holders for two-dimensional samples.
• Install a Brillouin spectrometer in the beam path.
• Perform measurements that achieve the highest possible performance in terms of resolution and spectral suppression of elastic scattering, with well-defined incoming and outgoing polarization.
• Explore the possibilities to measure both in vacuum and in a hydrogen atmosphere at varying temperature and with different types of samples.
• Handle and analyze complex measurement data, including evaluation and simulation using various software packages.
• Write a scientific article on the unique capabilities of the instrument for publication in an international scientific journal.
• Collaborate with other researchers and their scientific questions related to Raman spectroscopy and Brillouin scattering.

Requirements

For the position as researcher, the candidate must hold a PhD degree in physics, engineering or an equivalent field. Experience with Raman spectroscopy and Brillouin scattering is required. Well-documented experience in handling instruments for Raman spectroscopy and Brillouin scattering is also required. The ability to communicate well in spoken and written English is required.

Additional qualifications

Good knowledge of the interaction between light and solid materials is considered an advantage. The successful candidate is expected to have the personal qualities required to carry out the duties of the position well.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position, 12 months. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2026-02-05 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:  Daniel Primetzhofer, daniel.primetzhofer@physics.uu.se.

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 2 December 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3562.