PhD student in laser spectroscopy
Do you want to work with femtosecond lasers and their application in chemical reactions in the liquid phase, supported by competent and pleasant colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employee relations and offers secure, beneficial working conditions? Welcome to apply for a position as a PhD student at Uppsala University.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is one of Uppsala University's largest with nearly 400 employees, of which approximately 100 are PhD students. The department conducts world-class research and education in both theoretical and experimental physics and has extensive collaboration with the outside world. The research is conducted at nine research departments and covers everything from the unimaginably small to the large within, for example, energy supply, climate development, new materials, and the universe. This entire spectrum is also reflected in the department's courses and educational programs. Around 2,500 students study courses at undergraduate and advanced levels at the department each year. Read more at www.uu.se/fysik
The research will be conducted at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Physics within the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University, which focuses on understanding the fundamental properties and ultrafast processes of matter on atomic length and time scales in angstroms and femtoseconds. The program holds a leading position regarding the use of X-ray radiation to investigate atoms, molecules, and chemical and biomolecular systems. We develop and apply new X-ray methods and instrumentation and strive to reveal how the properties of a system are a result of its electronic structure and dynamics with applications in environmental, biophysical, and chemical systems.
Duties
The PhD student will conduct experiments in femtosecond laser spectroscopy in the HELIOS laser laboratory, operated by the Department of X-ray Physics at Uppsala University. The goal is to study charge dynamics during chemical reactions in the liquid phase that are relevant to areas such as light absorption and bond activation. The PhD student will contribute to the development of new infrastructure for spectroscopy within femtosecond THz and optical spectroscopy, as well as design, conduct, and analyze experiments aimed at understanding how molecular charge distributions govern chemical reactivity in catalysis. Additional responsibilities for the PhD student include writing scientific manuscripts, presenting research results at internal meetings and international conferences, and active participation in collaborations with other experimental and theoretical groups.
Qualification requirements
Eligible for education at the doctoral level is the person who has
earned a degree at an advanced level in physics, chemistry (or a related subject), or completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits, or in some other way acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.
The employment also requires very good oral and written proficiency in English.
Other desirable/merit qualifications
Very good knowledge of molecular physics and spectroscopy is meritorious, as is previous practical experience in laser spectroscopy and instrumentation. Experience with quantum chemical simulations is an advantage, but not necessarily a requirement.
Provisions for PhD students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen) Chapter 5, Sections 1-7, as well as in the university's rules and guidelines.
About the employment
The employment is time-limited, according to HF Chapter 5, Section 7. The extent is full-time. Start date 01-02-2027 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala
Information about doctoral education, eligibility requirements, and admission rules can be found on the website of the Science Area for Technology and Natural Sciences.
Inquiries about the employment are provided by: Dr. Raphael Jay, +46 76-022 67 04, raphael.jay@physics.uu.se
In this recruitment, we have replaced the personal letter with questions that you answer in connection with your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process.
Welcome with your application no later than November 20, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2816.
Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.
Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work within Uppsala University
https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/
The employment may be subject to security clearance. In the case of security clearance, approval of the applicant is a prerequisite for employment.
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Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.
Union representatives: Saco-S - saco-s@uu.se, Seko - seko@uadm.uu.se, ST (OFR/S) - ofr@uu.se