Assistant Professor of Physics

Stockholm University

Department of Physics

Stockholm University is one of Sweden’s leading research universities with strong international collaboration and a major focus on fundamental and applied science.

The Department of Physics is a large, internationally oriented department with:

  • ~230 employees
  • ~65 PhD students
  • broad experimental and theoretical research activities

More information:
Department of Physics, Stockholm University

Subject

Experimental Chemical Physics with focus on X-Ray Characterization of Chemical Processes

Subject Description

The research focuses on:

  • fundamental chemical processes in environmentally sustainable materials
  • development and application of X-ray spectroscopic methods
  • advanced experimental chemical physics

A key emphasis is understanding chemical processes at a fundamental level using state-of-the-art X-ray techniques.

Main Responsibilities

  • Conduct research in experimental chemical physics
  • Teach and supervise students (undergraduate and doctoral level)
  • Contribute to development of research activities

Teaching is a secondary but important component of the role.

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the assistant professor (“biträdande lektor”) position, applicants must:

  • Hold a PhD (Sweden or equivalent international degree)
  • Normally have completed the PhD within the last 7 years (with exceptions for e.g. parental leave or illness)
  • Demonstrate ability to collaborate and perform academic duties

Assessment Criteria

Primary Focus: Research Excellence

Special emphasis will be placed on:

  • Strong research record in the subject area
  • Potential to lead and develop research groups

Also considered:

  • Teaching experience
  • Leadership potential
  • Experience in supervision, project management, or collaboration

Required Technical/Research Experience

Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in:

  • ultrafast (femtosecond) laser spectroscopy
  • ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy (e.g. free-electron lasers)
  • X-ray spectroscopy under operando conditions
  • research aligned with development and use of the UOPS instrument

The research should focus on fundamental chemical processes, with advanced instrumentation playing a central role.

Employment Terms

This is a tenure-track position:

  • Swedish title: “biträdande lektor”
  • Fixed term: 6 years (extendable up to 8 years under special conditions)
  • Opportunity for promotion to permanent associate professor (“universitetslektor”)

Promotion application must be submitted at least 9 months before the end of the contract.

WISE Fellowship Package

This position is part of the:

Wallenberg Initiative Material Science for Sustainability (WISE)

The recruitment package includes:

  • salary funding for 2 postdoctoral researchers
  • funding for 2 PhD students
  • integration into a national research program

This enables building a full research group from the start.

Research Environment

Key infrastructure and initiatives include:

  • development of the UOPS instrument
  • hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy up to 1 bar gas pressure
  • free-electron laser (FEL) experiments
  • high-harmonic generation (HHG) laser sources

The position is embedded in strong national and international collaborations in advanced X-ray science.

Additional Information

  • Full-time position (100%)
  • Location: Stockholm
  • Salary: Individual setting
  • Temporary tenure-track position
  • Reference: SU FV-1602-26
  • Deadline: 31 August 2026

Female applicants are especially encouraged to apply to improve gender balance.

Contact

Academic Contacts

Application Support

Application

Applications must be submitted via the Stockholm University recruitment system.

Requirements:

  • English application (mandatory)
  • Complete application according to university instructions

Guidelines:
Stockholm University – Apply for a Position

About Stockholm University

Stockholm University is a leading international research university located in the National City Park, combining:

  • cutting-edge fundamental research
  • strong teaching environment
  • interdisciplinary collaboration
  • global scientific networks

It aims to promote sustainability, knowledge, and academic freedom in a discrimination-free environment.

Apply