Assistant Professor of Physics

Lund University

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

The Department of Physics at Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, invites applications for a position as Assistant Professor.

We are looking for early-career academics conducting research in the priority area of sustainability and the environment, specializing in sustainable semiconductors. The position is funded through the Mistra Environmental Research Leaders program and includes a start-up package with funds to cover a doctoral studentship and other costs, as well as participation in a leadership program organized by Mistra.

Our research environment involves several strong centres and infrastructures with a shared vision to be one of Europe’s leading environments within semiconductor research. The interdisciplinary strategic research area NanoLund includes, for example, groups with internationally leading expertise in the synthesis, processing, and characterization of III-V and III-Nitride materials. This includes access to a full range of equipment for semiconductor nanofabrication at Lund Nano Lab, a central key facility for fabrication of materials and devices on the nanoscale. The environment also hosts the Swedish Chips Competence Center as well as a recently started Pilot Line focused on wide band gap semiconductors funded by the European Chips Act.

The position is located at the Division of Solid State Physics within the Physics Department. Together with NanoLund, of which we are a central part, we have the ambition to create an interdisciplinary and internationally visible research effort in circular and sustainable semiconductor electronics. The new position as Assistant Professor in Physics with Specialization in Sustainable Semiconductors, with funding from the Mistra Environmental Research Leaders program, is an important step towards realizing this vision.

Subject

Physics with Specialization in Sustainable Semiconductors

Subject Description

The subject area of the position is broadly defined within circular and sustainable semiconductors, covering, for instance, novel semiconductor manufacturing methods with drastically reduced environmental footprint, the consideration of material recycling already at the design stage, and novel device designs and concepts to enhance component lifetime and lower energy consumption.

Examples of research topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Increase circularity and material recycling in fabrication of devices based on III-V and metal oxide semiconductors, e.g., re-using substrates and reducing the use of gallium in GaN and Ga₂O₃ devices.

  • Synthesis of new circular and sustainable semiconductor materials, use of earth-abundant materials, and hybrid organic-inorganic semiconductor materials, including highly innovative processes such as DNA-templated or protein-based synthesis.

  • Enhance the lifetime and reduce energy consumption of semiconductor components, including on-chip energy harvesting, heat management, low-dissipation wiring, neuromorphic hardware, photonic chips, and other beyond-CMOS technologies.

Work Duties

Employment as an Assistant Professor is a tenure-track position, aiming for the holder to develop independence as a researcher and educator. The work duties mainly involve research and teaching and include the opportunity to undertake five weeks of training in teaching and learning in higher education.

Work duties include:

  • Research within the subject area.

  • Teaching in the first, second, and third cycles of studies.

  • Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.

  • Actively seeking external research funding.

  • Collaboration with industry and wider society.

  • Administration related to the work duties listed above.

  • Participation in Mistra’s leadership programme.

Qualification Requirements

  • Doctorate or corresponding research competence.

  • Primary consideration is given to candidates awarded a doctorate or equivalent competence within seven years of the application deadline. Exceptions may be made for special grounds such as sick leave or parental leave.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Ability to develop and carry out high-quality research.

  • Teaching ability.

Additional Requirements:

  • Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

  • Significant documented postdoctoral research experience.

  • Significant documented research experience from another university/institute or relevant industry/public sector experience.

  • Submission of a research plan describing research to be conducted, potential collaborations within NanoLund, and interaction with Lund Nano Lab.

  • Collaborative skills, initiative, independent problem-solving, and interest in leadership.

Other Qualifications:

  • Experience in obtaining research funding.

  • Documented experience in project management, supervision, and teaching.

  • Positive contribution to the work environment.

  • Synergy with ongoing research activities is highly valued.

Terms of Employment

  • Full-time, fixed-term employment of 6 years.

  • Regulated according to Chapter 4 Section 12a§ HEA.

  • Purpose: to develop research autonomy and acquire scholarly and teaching qualifications for promotion to Senior Lecturer.

We Offer:

  • Public authority benefits, generous annual leave, and advantageous occupational pension scheme.

Promotion to Senior Lecturer in Physics with Specialization in Semiconductor Photonics

During employment, an Assistant Professor may apply once for promotion to Senior Lecturer.

Qualification Requirements:

  • PhD or corresponding research competence/professional expertise.

  • Demonstrated teaching expertise.

  • Completion of five weeks of training in higher education teaching or equivalent knowledge.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Good national and international standing as a researcher.

  • Good teaching ability using diverse methods.

  • Ability to supervise doctoral students.

  • Ability to collaborate with society.

  • Leadership skills.

Additional Requirements:

  • Collaboration, independence, drive.

  • Progression in research and teaching expertise.

  • Ability to successfully apply for external funding.

  • Contribute to renewal of activities and collaborations with NanoLund.

  • Sufficient knowledge of Swedish for administrative and educational tasks.

LTH – Lund University Faculty of Engineering

  • Educates ~10,000 students.

  • Publishes ~100 theses and 2,000 scientific findings annually.

  • Active in innovation and research commercialization.

Department of Physics:

  • Staff of ~400 scientists and educators.

  • Seven research divisions and multiple research centres.

  • Research activities cover a broad spectrum of modern physics.

Type of Employment: Temporary position
Contract Type: Full-time
Start Date: As soon as possible
Salary: Monthly
Number of Positions: 1
Full-time Equivalent: 100%
City: Lund
County: Skåne län
Country: Sweden
Reference Number: PA2025/2445

Contact:

Union Representatives:

Published: 12 Sep 2025
Last Application Date: 10 Nov 2025

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