Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
The Department of Physics is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Ultrafast Nanoscience Group to work on ultrafast optical spectroscopy of magnetic nanostructures in the framework of the ERC project ‘MagneticTWIST’. The position is 2 years full-time employment (and it can be extended to three years) and will start January 1 2025, or according to agreement.
Project description The Ultrafast Nanoscience Group (https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/nicolo-maccaferri-lab/) research focus is the study of both the fundamental and applied aspects of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. In more detail, we study light-driven charge, spin and lattice dynamics and strong optical nonlinearities in nano- and meta-materials for opto-electronics and information processing, photochemistry, and biotechnology. We use frequency- and time-resolved (magneto-)optical spectroscopy, finite-element computational methods and bottom-up/top-down nanofabrication techniques. We are now seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work in a project where we are making use of ultrashort light pulses to understand and control spin dynamics in nanostructured systems. The successful candidate will work with a newly established pump-probe system able to generate sub-5 fs light pulses which will be used to excite and probe plasmons in magnetic nanostructures and achieve a coherent control of spin dynamics with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. As a postdoctoral researcher in our group, you will work in a dynamic, creative, ambitious and international environment, with many external collaborations and opportunities to present your research at international meetings and conferences.
Qualifications To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision. To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area. Postdoctoral fellows who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education.
We are looking for a highly motivated and responsible candidate who is passionate about developing as an individual scientist as well as a research team member. The candidate should have proved experience in ultrafast and nonlinear optics and/or pump-probe spectroscopy and/or development of laser-based spectroscopic systems. An ability to perform research independently as well as in a team is fundamental. Fluency in written and oral English are essential.
Application The application should include: 1. A cover letter summarizing your previous research experience relevant to the project, your scientific interests, and your motivation for applying (max 1 page), 2. A curriculum vitae (CV, max 2 pages), 3. A publication list, 4. Copies of PhD certificate and other relevant degree/exam certificates, or document proving upcoming date of defense 5. Copies of the PhD thesis and the two most relevant publications, with a clear statement about your contributions 6. A list of university courses with grades, 7. Names and contact information of at least two references, 8. Other relevant documents you wish to claim.
The application must be written in either English or Swedish. All documents should be uploaded in pdf format. Applications must be submitted via e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 31 August 2024.
Information For more information, contact the PI of the project, Dr. Nicolò Maccaferri, nicolo.maccaferri@umu.se, +46 90 786 75 95.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
