Researcher position in advanced BLS microscopy

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 gu.se/en/physics. More information about Gothenburg Physics Centre can be found at chalmers.se/gpc.

About the research group

One of the department's most successful research areas is spintronics, with a focus on magnetodynamic phenomena, spin/orbital torque, nanofabrication, and the fundamental physics of spintronic oscillators. We study these devices using magnetic, electrical, and optical methods (particularly micro-focused BLS), complemented by GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations for modeling. Johan Åkerman's research group is running a major project funded by VR distinguished Professor grant, dedicated to developing new spintronic devices. To further support the BLS facility, the department is seeking a researcher to contribute to driving this part of the project forward.

Job assignments

The primary responsibility of this position is the development and application of Brillouin light scattering (BLS) microscopy for advanced material characterization. The role demands strong expertise in optical systems and precision measurement techniques. Experience with CW and high-power femtosecond (fs) lasers, including the design and construction of free-space optical setups and optical alignment, is required. Experience with pump-probe spectroscopy will be considered an advantage. Key tasks include developing and maintaining BLS microscopy systems, including femtosecond frequency comb-driven setups. Performing BLS measurements and analysis on spintronic nanodevices and a variety of material systems.

This role plays a central part in driving forward research on cutting-edge optical microscopy techniques for material and device characterization. You will work together with PhD students and postdocs, contributing to both experimental design and analysis to drive research forward. Additional responsibilities include publishing findings in scientific articles, contributing to team publications, and presenting results at scientific conferences.

Eligibility

Eligible to be employed as a researcher is a person who has a Swedish doctoral degree or has a foreign degree that is deemed to correspond to a doctoral degree.

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who have demonstrated strong scientific skills in the following areas: optical systems, optical spectroscopy, and optical microscopy techniques. Experience with Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) or Raman microscopy, femtosecond frequency combs, and the excitation and detection of acoustic and spin waves is considered a plus. 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 6 months
Extent: 100%
Location: Department of Physics, Gothenburg
First day of employment: 5 October 2026

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)

Contact details for the position

For further information regarding the position and employment procedure, please contact: Johan Åkerman, Professor, johan.akerman@physics.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: www.gu.se/english/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.

The application deadline is: 2026-09-10

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.