Postdoc: Operando on chip investigation of failure in optical phase change materials using ultrafast X ray

Aarhus University, Department of Chemistry, Denmark, invites applications for a fully funded 2 year postdoctoral position starting September 1, 2026 or thereafter (to be negotiated).

Project overview
The goal of this project is to advance the understanding of failure mechanisms in optical phase change materials used in photonic devices, using synchrotron X rays and X ray free electron lasers (XFEL). Optical phase change materials can be reversibly switched between amorphous and crystalline states on fast timescales and are enabling materials for emerging photonic computing technologies.
The postdoctoral researcher will perform operando and time resolved structural characterization of materials and devices during switching, combining methods such as laser pump and X ray probe total scattering, WAXS and SAXS, imaging, and femtosecond X ray diffraction to probe structure and dynamics in real time under device relevant conditions.
Target facilities include DESY, MAX IV, European XFEL, ESRF, APS, and LCLS, depending on awarded beamtime. The project is supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

More information about the research group is available here.

What you will do

• The postdoc will co-lead beamtime proposals and campaigns, and will work with existing on-chip photonic device platforms in collaboration with project partners. Design and execute operando experiments to probe structural dynamics and degradation during repeated switching. Analyze large scattering and diffraction datasets and connect structural signatures to device level failure. Contribute to beamtime proposals, experimental campaigns, and dissemination of results
• Publish in leading journals and present at international conferences

What we offer

• A fully funded 2 year postdoctoral position at Aarhus University. Denmark has an excellent working environment for developing an academic career, competitive salary, and funding opportunities.
• Strong access to international large scale facility collaborations and experimental campaigns
• A project with substantial ownership, including first author publication opportunities
• Structured mentorship aimed at developing your independent research profile, including support for proposal writing and leadership in experimental planning. The postdoc will have freedom to develop a related side project aligned with their interests.
• Support for international conference participation and possible research stays
• A collaborative environment across the Department of Chemistry, CENSEMAT Centre for Energy Materials, and the iMAT Center for Integrated Materials Research

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related field
• Experience with synchrotron X ray scattering and/or XFEL experiments. Strong skills in crystallographic and scattering data analysis, including handling large datasets. Solid understanding of crystallography, powder X ray diffraction, diffuse scattering, phase transitions, and background modeling. Experience of Xray imaging is a bonus. Programming skills, for example Python or similar. Experience with operando or time resolved experiments, and X ray instrumentation.
• Ability to work independently with strong motivation, and to collaborate in a team environment
• Fluent written and spoken English

Place of employment and work location: Aarhus University, Department of Chemistry, Langelandsgade 140, DK 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

Further information on the position: please contact Associate Prof. Shuai Wei at shuai.wei@chem.au.dk