The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 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.
About the research group
One of the department’s most prominent and successful research areas is spintronics, led by the research group of Professor Johan Åkerman. The group focuses on magnetodynamic phenomena, spin and orbital torques, nanofabrication, and the fundamental physics of spintronic oscillators. Their work also explores the use of these oscillators in unconventional computing hardware, including neuromorphic systems, reservoir computing, and Ising machines. The group possesses strong expertise in magnetic, electrical, and optical characterization techniques (particularly micro-focused Brillouin Light Scattering) and leverages GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations to study and develop spin Hall nano-oscillators. Prof. Åkerman’s team currently leads a major project funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR) through a Distinguished Professor Grant, aimed at advancing next-generation spintronic devices. To further strengthen these efforts, the department is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to actively contribute to this cutting-edge project and help drive its continued progress.
Job assignments
The postdoctoral researcher will focus on the development and investigation of spin Hall nano-oscillators. The position requires proficiency in:
- Thin film deposition using physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques
- Magnetic characterization methods, including ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), spin-torque FMR, and second harmonic Hall measurements
With expertise in one or more of the following domains:
- Nanofabrication and characterization of spin-orbit torques/spintronic oscillators
Additional responsibilities include the development and maintenance of growth and measurement instruments/setups. Proficiency in LabVIEW and Python for instrument control and data analysis is advantageous. This position plays a key role in advancing cutting-edge research in nanoelectronic device fabrication and characterization, with a focus on developing energy-efficient spintronic oscillators. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with PhD students and other postdoctoral researchers, contributing to both experimental design and data interpretation. Additional responsibilities include publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals, supporting collaborative publications, and presenting results at international scientific conferences.
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
We are seeking candidates who have demonstrated strong scientific skills in some of the following areas: thin film growth, nano-fabrication, magnetic characterization, ferromagnetic resonance, spin-torque measurements, spintronic oscillators, BLS microscopy, micromagnetic simulations. Scientific merit will primarily be assessed based on peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals and presentations at international conferences.
Employment
Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, up to a maximum of 3 years in periods of 2+1 years.
Extent: 100%
Location: Department of Physics, Gothenburg
First day of employment: 01 September 2025.
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
Regarding the position please contact Johan Åkerman, Professor, [email protected].
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: Johan Åkerman, Professor, [email protected] by no later than 2025-07-31.
The application is to be written in English.
The application deadline is 2025-07-31.
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.
