Assistant Professor of Physics

Royal Institute of Technology

Institution: KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Type of Employment: Full-time, Temporary (part of Tenure Track system)
Full-time Equivalent: 100%
First Day of Employment: As soon as possible
Salary: Monthly pay
Number of Positions: 1
Reference Number: PA-2025-1754
Published: 08 September 2025
Last Application Date: 14 November 2025

Subject Field

Assistant professor in condensed matter physics. The position focuses on experimental and/or theoretical approaches to discovering, characterizing, and understanding quantum materials with potential applications in sustainable future technologies.

Duties

The assistant professor is expected to:

  • Conduct research at a high international level and develop an independent research group.

  • Collaborate with local condensed matter physicists at AlbaNova in Stockholm, enhancing and extending the existing research focus on quantum matter with potential for sustainable technologies.

  • Supervise doctoral students and contribute to research administration.

  • Apply for research funding.

  • Contribute to the education of future scientists and engineers in physics.

  • Teach in Swedish within four years (a language plan may be established to support this).

The assistant professor will have opportunities to develop independence as a researcher and gain accreditation, potentially allowing them to assume other teaching positions with higher eligibility requirements. Promotion to associate professor is possible according to the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance.

Eligibility

  • A completed doctorate or equivalent scientific competence.

  • Priority given to candidates who obtained qualifications within seven years prior to the application deadline.

  • Other candidates may be considered for special reasons (e.g., illness, parental leave).

Assessment Criteria

Highest Importance:

  • Scientific expertise demonstrated through publications, conference attendance, research collaboration, and other contributions to the scientific community.

  • Potential to qualify for higher teaching positions, including independent development as a researcher and teacher and the ability to develop the research area.

  • Theoretical or experimental research background in quantum matter.

Second Highest Importance:

  • Postdoctoral experience outside the university where the doctoral thesis was defended (or equivalent R&D experience in industry).

  • Documented ability to apply for and obtain research funding.

  • Interest in pedagogical development within the subject field.

  • Insights on leadership in academia, collaboration with external communities, and awareness of diversity and gender equality.

Other Important Criteria:

  • Administrative expertise.

Special Grounds for Promotion to Associate Professor:

  • Ability to teach in Swedish is considered a merit.

Further Information

The position comes with an attractive starting package within the WISE Fellows program, connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE), funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. WISE is Sweden’s largest investment in materials science, with a vision for a sustainable future.

Application

  • Follow KTH's CV template for employment of teachers.

  • Ensure the application is complete according to the ad and CV template.

  • Submit via KTH recruitment system by midnight CET/CEST on the last application date.

Contact Information:

Trade Union Representatives: Contact details available on KTH website.

Other Information

  • Appointment is temporary, no more than six years initially, with possible extensions up to eight years.

  • Position is part of KTH’s Tenure Track system; assistant professors may apply for promotion to tenured associate professor.

  • Gender equality, diversity, and equal conditions are core values.

  • Security clearance may be required for some positions in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585).

  • Guidance available for relocation and settling in Sweden.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and English translation, the Swedish version takes precedence.

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