"Postdoc in Physics - Minitweezers_POC"

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg is located in the center of Gothenburg, with approximately 100 employees. The communication routes are good both nationally and internationally. The research focuses within the fields of Atom- and Molecular Physics, Condensed Matter Physics and Spintronics, and Complex Systems and Biophysics and is performed in an international environment with extensive national and international collaborations. The education programs at the Department include Bachelor- and Master programs in Physics, physics teacher-training programs, as well as outreach courses in Physics aimed for the general public. Gothenburg Physics Centre is a close collaboration with three other departments within the Faculty of Science and Chalmers University of Technology, which creates an innovative environment for all researchers and students at the department. 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/Pages/default.aspx.

Information about the research group:

The research will be carried out in the group at the University of Gothenburg led by Giovanni Volpe. The group focuses on soft and active matter, optical tweezers, statistical physics and machine learning.

Job assignments

We are looking for a Postdoc at the Department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg. The applicant will work on constructing and developing smart optical tweezers and program these to perform experiments autonomously.

Eligibility

To qualify as a postdoctoral fellow, the applicant must have completed a Swedish doctoral degree or must have a foreign degree corresponding to a Swedish doctoral degree. Preference will be given to candidates who have been awarded the degree no more than three years before the application deadline and who have not held a post-doc position within the same or similar subject area at the University of Gothenburg for more than one year. Applicants with a degree obtained earlier than the stipulated three years may be preferred if special reasons exist. Special reasons in this context include, but are not limited to, leave due to illness and parental leave.

Qualifications

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance. To apply, you should have a PhD degree, or equivalent, in physics or in related disciplines.

We are looking for a talented and dedicated person who is eager to embark on a career in optical manipulation, with a focus on developing smart optical tweezers which can be used to autonomously manipulate micro and nano particles while simultaneously measuring the forces acting on these.

Previous experience of working in an optics laboratory with optical tweezers, machine learning, electronics and programming is required. A strong background in micro and nanomechanical force measurements, measurement electronics, experimental biophysics and automation is essential.

The candidate must be flexible and keen to work as part of a larger team, and also possess the ability to work independently, have good communication skills in both written and English.

Previous, documented experience with advanced measurement techniques and custom electronics are valuable assets, along with proficiency in designing, building and refining optical setups.

Assessment basis

Selection among applicants who meet the requirements for basic and special eligibility is based on the ability to assimilate the education at postgraduate level. In the assessment, special emphasis is placed on the documented qualifications stated above.

Employment

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, 2 years
Extent: 100 %
Location: Department of Physics, Gothenburg
First day of employment: 1 April 2026, or as agreed

Appointment procedure

Please apply online. The application shall include:
- Cover letter with an explanation of why you apply for the position
- CV including scientific publications
- Copy of exam certificate
- Two referees (name, telephone no, relation)

For further information:

Giovanni Volpe, Professor, 031-786 9137, giovanni.volpe@physics.gu.se

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application. Any documents that are not available in electronic format should be mailed to: Prof. Giovanni Volpe, 031-786 9137, giovanni.volpe@physics.gu.se.

The application is to be written in English.

Deadline for applications is: 2026-03-13.