Postdoc in Physics (with focus on optical microstructures and nanofabrication)

Gothenburg, Sweden

2026-04-28 (Europe/Stockholm)

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.

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 nanofabrication, characterization, and optical system development for nanophotonic metamaterials.

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 nanophotonic metamaterials. The candidate will focus on the fabrication of nanomaterials by advanced lithography, the development of optical artificial intelligence systems, and the ability to adapt to and respond to complex optical stimuli.

Previous experience with micro and nanofabrication, on-chip light-driven micromachines is required. A strong background in the characterization of nano-optical properties is essential, including the numerical simulation of reflection and transmission holograms, as well as the design and construction of optical setups for measuring density distributions.

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 nanofabrication techniques and cleanroom work is a valuable asset, along with proficiency in 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 June 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

If you further questions regarding this position
Giovanni Volpe, Professor, 031-786 9137, giovanni.volpe@physics.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: http://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/union-representatives

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, Dept. of Physics, Origovägen 6B, 41296, Göteborg.

The application is to be written in English.

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salary is determined on an individual basis.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

Application deadline is: 2026-04-28.

Job details

Title
Postdoc in Physics (with focus on optical microstructures and nanofabrication)

Employer
University of Gothenburg

Location
Universitetsplatsen 1 Gothenburg, Sweden

Published
2026-04-07

Application deadline
2026-04-28 23:59 (Europe/Stockholm)

Job type
Postdoc

Field
Nanotechnology, Optics, Experimental Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Physics,
Photonics,
Artificial Intelligence,
Machine Learning,
Mathematical Physics