Postdoctoral Position in Physics

Reference Number: PAR 2026/47

About the University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. With 58,000 students and 6,800 employees, the University is a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. Through new knowledge and perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

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 and has approximately 100 employees. Communication routes are excellent both nationally and internationally.

The department’s research focuses on:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics

• Condensed Matter Physics and Spintronics

• Complex Systems

• Biophysics

Research is conducted in an international environment with extensive national and international collaborations. The department also offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and teacher-training programmes in Physics, as well as outreach courses aimed at the general public.

The Gothenburg Physics Centre (GPC) is a close collaboration with four other departments within the Faculty of Science and Chalmers University of Technology, fostering an innovative research environment.

More information:

• Department of Physics: www.physics.gu.se/english

• Gothenburg Physics Centre: www.chalmers.se/en/centres/gpc/

• Doctoral studies at the University of Gothenburg: www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies

Duties and Research Areas

Up to two fully funded PhD positions are available in the areas of:

• Electronic structure and dynamics in multiply ionized, short-lived radicals

• Time-resolved studies of electron motion in many-electron quantum systems, particularly molecules

The research focuses on experimental investigations of atoms and molecules undergoing electron emission following photon absorption, with emphasis on two main directions:

1. Construction, commissioning, and operation of a high-harmonic-generation-based XUV beamline for attosecond time-resolved studies of photoionized many-electron systems

2. Synthesis and development of sample environments for preparation and transport of short-lived molecular species for static and time-resolved multi-ionization experiments

Both directions involve multi-particle correlation spectroscopy techniques to detect all charged particles produced during electron emission processes.

The successful candidate(s) are expected to:

• Demonstrate strong commitment to research

• Independently acquire new experimental and analytical skills

• Work collaboratively within the research group and with national and international partners

• Integrate experimental work with theoretical input from collaborators

Doctoral studies correspond to four years of full-time study and lead to a doctoral degree.

As part of the employment, departmental duties of up to 20% of full-time work may be included, typically involving teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, as well as possible research or administrative tasks. These duties extend the total study period accordingly.

Research Group

The doctoral student(s) will join the Low-Density Matter Research Group, led by Professor Raimund Feifel. The group conducts research in photon science with a focus on electron and ion spectroscopy of atoms and molecules across a wide range of charge and excitation states.

The group has internationally recognized expertise in:

• High-resolution electron and ion correlation spectroscopy

• Pulsed discharge lamps

• Synchrotron radiation

• Ultrafast laser-driven high-harmonic generation

• Free-electron lasers in the XUV and X-ray spectral regions

The group recently established Gothenburg’s first attosecond research facility, Attohallen, based on a state-of-the-art OPCPA femtosecond laser system. Ongoing research aims to expand studies of short-lived radicals and real-time tracking of electron motion in complex quantum systems.

Eligibility

General Eligibility

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• A completed second-cycle (Master’s) degree

• At least 240 higher education credits, including 60 credits at second-cycle level

• Equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or abroad

Specific Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold a second-cycle degree in a relevant subject area in the natural sciences, or

• Have completed at least 60 credits at second-cycle level in relevant natural science subjects, or

• Have equivalent qualifications relevant to the planned doctoral studies

Applicants must also demonstrate an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidance for English proficiency includes a minimum TOEFL score of:

• 550 (paper-based), or

• 213 (computer-based), or

• 79 (internet-based)

Assessment Criteria

Selection will be based on the applicant’s ability to successfully complete doctoral studies. The following aspects will be considered:

• Completeness of application documents

• Bachelor’s and Master’s level grades

• Experience in atomic and molecular physics

• Ability to take on and perform new tasks

• Experience in research fields relevant to the project

• Ability to communicate and collaborate in an international, interdisciplinary research environment

Admission and Employment

Upon admission to doctoral studies, the candidate will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg in accordance with SFS 1993:100.

• Employment extent: 100%

• Location: Department of Physics, Gothenburg

• Start date: Tentatively April 1, 2026, or by agreement (positions open for hiring in Q2–Q3 2026)

Initial employment may be for up to one year and renewed for up to two years at a time. Total employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral studies.

The University applies a local salary agreement for doctoral students.

Please note: Doctoral studies at the Department of Physics require physical presence in Gothenburg. Admission may be revoked if a required residence permit cannot be presented by the start of studies.

Contact Information

Professor Raimund Feifel
Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg
Phone: +46 708 381689
Email: 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

Applications must be submitted online via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.

The application must include:

• Cover letter explaining motivation for applying

• CV (including publications, if applicable)

• Copy of degree certificate

Application deadline: 22 February 2026

Information for International Applicants

Information about relocation, benefits, and living in Gothenburg is available at:

• www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services

• www.movetogothenburg.com

Additional Information

The University of Gothenburg actively promotes equal opportunities and values diversity in its workforce.

In accordance with Swedish National Archives regulations, application documents will be stored for two years after the position is filled and then returned upon request or destroyed.

The University has already decided which recruitment channels to use and therefore declines further contact with vendors, recruitment agencies, or staffing companies.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com