Assistant Professor of Physics

Lund University

Faculty of Science & Faculty of Engineering (LTH)

Lund University is a leading international university founded in 1666, with around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff across Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö.

The position is part of the Lund University Programme for Global Excellence, designed to recruit emerging research leaders in strategic fields.

More information:
Lund University Programme for Global Excellence

Subject

Quantum Technology

Quantum technology is a rapidly growing field exploiting controlled quantum states (e.g. electrons, atoms, ions, photons) to achieve major advances in:

  • computation and simulation
  • communication and networks
  • sensing and measurement

At Lund, the strongest focus is on:

  • quantum sensors and measurements
  • ultrafast quantum physics
  • quantum materials and nanostructures
  • quantum spectroscopy
  • quantum information theory
  • ultracold atomic gases
  • cryoelectronics for quantum computing

Research Environment

Research is conducted across multiple departments:

  • Department of Physics
  • Department of Chemistry
  • Department of Electrical and Information Technology
  • Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Key infrastructures:

  • Lund NanoLab
  • Lund Laser Centre

These support cutting-edge quantum research and experimentation.

Duties

Most of the role is dedicated to independent research, including:

  • building and leading a research group
  • conducting high-level quantum technology research
  • applying for external funding (including Swedish Research Council grants)
  • collaborating across Lund University and internationally

Additional responsibilities:

  • Teaching (10–30% over time)
  • Supervision of students (including PhD level)
  • Departmental service and academic participation
  • Developing Swedish language proficiency

Qualification Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • PhD or equivalent research competence in quantum technology
  • Strong recent research experience outside Sweden
  • Postdoctoral experience at a different institution than PhD
  • Demonstrated scientific output in quantum technology
  • Teaching and supervision ability
  • Strong communication skills
  • Excellent English proficiency
  • Motivation and ability to learn Swedish

A research plan is mandatory and will be a key evaluation component.

Research Plan Requirements

The plan must:

  • describe proposed research during employment
  • explain how it complements existing quantum research at Lund
  • outline realistic collaborations
  • show how an independent research profile will be built
  • demonstrate potential for external funding

This is a major evaluation criterion.

Additional Qualifications (Highly Valued)

  • Strong leadership experience (required for Swedish Research Council nomination)
  • International academic experience
  • Experience leading research projects
  • Successful acquisition of external funding
  • Teaching development experience
  • Industry/societal collaboration
  • Current international position in quantum research

Important constraints:

  • No salary/scholarship in Sweden since 31 Dec 2022 (for VR nomination eligibility)
  • Leadership ability must be documented

Employment Terms

  • Fixed-term: 6 years (tenure-track)
  • Possible promotion to permanent Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor level)
  • Teaching training: 5 weeks required
  • Swedish language training provided

Promotion requires meeting criteria in:

  • research excellence
  • teaching ability
  • supervision competence
  • leadership and collaboration
  • Swedish language proficiency (CEFR B1 required at promotion stage in some tracks)

Location & Details

  • City: Lund
  • Employment: Full-time (100%)
  • Type: Assistant Professor (tenure track)
  • Reference: PA2026/1167
  • Start: As soon as possible
  • Deadline: 10 June 2026

Research Strength Context

Lund University is heavily investing in quantum technology through:

  • national and international funding programs
  • integration of multiple faculties (Science + Engineering)
  • strategic recruitment of global research leaders
  • strong infrastructure in lasers, nanotechnology, and quantum materials

Contact

Apply