"Doctoral student in atomic and molecular physics"

Doctoral position in atomic and molecular physics

The Department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg is located on the Johanneberg campus of Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, with a total of around 100 employees. The communication routes are good both nationally and internationally. The department’s research focuses within the fields of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Condensed Matter Physics and Spintronics, and Complex Systems as well as Biophysics, performed in an international environment with extensive national and international collaborations. The education programs at the department include Bachelor’s, Master’s, and teacher-training programs in Physics, as well as outreach courses in Physics aimed for the general public. The Gothenburg Physics Centre is a close collaboration formed with four other departments within the Faculty of Science and Chalmers University of Technology which fosters an innovative environment for all researchers and students at these departments.

For further information about the Department of Physics, please visit our website at www.physics.gu.se/english. More information about Gothenburg Physics Centre can be found at www.chalmers.se/en/centres/gpc/.

General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies.

Duties

We have a maximum of two fully funded PhD positions available in the areas of electronic structure and dynamics in multiply ionized, short-lived radicals, as well as in time-resolved studies of electron motion in many-electron quantum systems, in particular molecules. A suitable background is a master’s degree in the subject of Physics, Engineering Physics, Chemical Physics, or Physical Chemistry; candidates in the final stages of their master’s studies are also encouraged to apply. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and who have broad interests in experimental atomic and molecular physics, multi-dimensional data analysis, and photo-physics as well as photo-chemistry. Applicants should clearly state their primary research interests in their application.

The research conducted within these positions will focus on experimental investigations of the fundamental properties of atoms and molecules that undergo electron emission following photon absorption, with particular focus on two main aspects. On the one hand, this may involve the construction, commissioning, and eventual operation of a new, high-harmonic-generation based XUV beamline for attosecond resolution time-resolved studies of photoionized many-electron systems, and on the other hand, the synthesis and/or development of suitable sample environments for the preparation and transport of short-lived molecular species for static and time-resolved multi-ionization experiments.

Both aspects will require the candidate(s) to apply multi-particle correlation spectroscopy techniques to detect all charged particles generated in the electron emission processes. The successful candidate(s) are expected to have a strong commitment to research and the ability to independently acquire new skills. Our research is highly collaborative, both within the low-density matter group, and with close collaborators both within Sweden and internationally. A positive attitude, strong team spirit, and a willingness to collaborate across multiple disciplines and integrate experimental work with theoretical input (provided by our collaborators) are highly valued. The successful applicant(s) will be based at the Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg.

Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.

As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.

Information about the research group

The low-density matter research group, led by Professor Raimund Feifel, is active in several areas of photon science, with a particular focus on electron and ion spectroscopy of atoms and molecules in a wide range of charge and excitation states. The group has extensive, internationally recognized expertise in the development and application of high-resolution electron and ion correlation spectrometers, combined with pulsed discharge lamps, synchrotron radiation, ultrafast laser-driven high-harmonic generation, and free-electron lasers operating in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and X-ray spectral regions.

Most recently, the group has successfully established and commissioned Gothenburg’s first attosecond research facility, Attohallen, based on a state-of-the-art OPCPA femtosecond laser system. This facility now enables measurements on the timescales on which electrons depart from or move within atoms and molecules. Building on this capability, Professor Feifel’s group has secured funding to further expand its activities in two main directions: studies of electronic structure and dynamics in multiply ionized, short-lived radicals - an area that remains largely unexplored - and real-time tracking of electron motion in many-electron quantum systems, particularly molecules, a field that is still in its infancy.

The overarching goal is to achieve a deeper understanding of, and ultimately the ability to tailor, the fundamental physical processes that underlie chemical reactions.

Eligibility

Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.

The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:

1. having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
2. the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or
3. the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.

To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must: (i) have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or (ii) have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or (iii) have completed a corresponding program of relevance to the planned third-cycle program, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.

*Relevant for the planned third-cycle education

The specific entry requirements also include an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidelines for assessing English proficiency may include a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL test (or 213 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 on the TOEFL-iBT).

Assessment

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for education on a doctoral level are given in SFS 1998:80. The selection among the applicants who fulfill the requirements for basic and special eligibility will be based on the ability to take up an education at the research level. Especially following aspects will be considered:

• Complete set of application documents
• Grades obtained on the bachelor's and master's level
• Experience of atomic and molecular physics
• Ability to embark on and perform new tasks
• The degree of experience in working in research fields related to the project in question.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate in an international, interdisciplinary research environment

Admission and employment

Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.

The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.

Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.

A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years.

Extent: 100%
Location: Department of Physics, Gothenburg
First day of employment: tentatively April 1, 2026 or based on an agreement taking into account individual circumstances (The position is opened for hiring in the second and third quarter of 2026)

The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.

Please note, doctoral studies at The department of Physics require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, The department of Physics has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.

Contact information

Raimund Feifel, Professor
+46 708-381689
raimund.feifel@physics.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande

Application

Apply online to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

The application must include:
- Cover letter with an explanation of why you are applying for the position
- CV possibly including scientific publications
- Copy of exam certificate

Applications must be received by: 22-02-2026