Postdoc: Operando on chip investigation of failure in optical phase change materials using ultrafast X rays

Aarhus Universitet (AU); Aarhus; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University, Department of Chemistry, Denmark, invites applications for a fully funded 2 year postdoctoral position starting 1 January, 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The role focuses on optical phase change materials and photonic devices, with operando structural characterization at major facilities.

You will co-lead beamtime proposals, design operando experiments, and analyze time-resolved data to understand failure mechanisms.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related field
• Experience with synchrotron X-ray scattering and/or XFEL experiments; strong data analysis skills
• Fluent written and spoken English, ability to work independently and in a team

Responsibilities

• Co-lead beamtime proposals and campaigns with project partners
• Design and execute operando experiments to probe structural dynamics during switching
• Analyze large scattering and diffraction datasets and relate structure to device performance
• Contribute to proposals, campaigns and dissemination; publish in journals and present at conferences

Skills

Python

X-ray instrumentation

English fluency

Education

PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science

Tools

Synchrotron XFEL facilities

Crystallography software

Job description

Ansøgningsfrist 15. sep. 23:59 CEST

Forventet start 1. jan.

• Institut for Kemi Langelandsgade 140 8000 Aarhus C
• Tidsbegrænset fuldtidsstilling 1. jan. 2027 - 1. jan. 2029 ID: 165572

Aarhus University, Department of Chemistry, Denmark, invites applications for a fully funded 2 year postdoctoral position starting 1 January, 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project overview

The goal of this project is to advance the understanding of failure mechanisms in optical phase change materials used in photonic devices, using synchrotron X rays and X ray free electron lasers (XFEL). Optical phase change materials can be reversibly switched between amorphous and crystalline states on fast timescales and are enabling materials for emerging photonic computing technologies. The postdoctoral researcher will perform operando and time resolved structural characterization of materials and devices during switching, combining methods such as laser pump and X ray probe total scattering, WAXS and SAXS, imaging, and femtosecond X ray diffraction to probe structure and dynamics in real time under device relevant conditions. Target facilities include DESY, MAX IV, European XFEL, ESRF, APS, and LCLS, depending on awarded beamtime. The project is supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

More information about the research group is available here: https://chem.au.dk/AmorphousMatLab

What you will do

The postdoc will co-lead beamtime proposals and campaigns, and will work with existing on-chip photonic device platforms in collaboration with project partners. Design and execute operando experiments to probe structural dynamics and degradation during repeated switching. Analyze large scattering and diffraction datasets and connect structural signatures to device level failure. Contribute to beamtime proposals, experimental campaigns, and dissemination of results Publish in leading journals and present at international conferences

What we offer

• A fully funded 2 year postdoctoral position at Aarhus University. Denmark has an excellent working environment for developing an academic career, competitive salary, and funding opportunities.
• Strong access to international large scale facility collaborations and experimental campaigns
• A project with substantial ownership, including first author publication opportunities
• Structured mentorship aimed at developing your independent research profile, including support for proposal writing and leadership in experimental planning. The postdoc will have freedom to develop a related side project aligned with their interests.
• Support for international conference participation and possible research stays
• A collaborative environment across the Department of Chemistry, CENSEMAT Centre for Energy Materials, and the iMAT Center for Integrated Materials Research

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related field
• Experience with synchrotron X ray scattering and/or XFEL experiments. Strong skills in crystallographic and scattering data analysis, including handling large datasets. Solid understanding of crystallography, powder X ray diffraction, diffuse scattering, phase transitions, and background modeling. Experience of Xray imaging is a bonus. Programming skills, for example Python or similar. Experience with operando or time resolved experiments, and X ray instrumentation.
• Ability to work independently with strong motivation, and to collaborate in a team environment
• Fluent written and spoken English

Place of Work

Place of employment and work location: Aarhus University, Department of Chemistry, Langelandsgade 140, DK 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

Contact information

Further information on the position: please contact Associate Prof. Shuai Wei at e-mail

Deadline

All applications must be received no later than 15 September 2026.

Formalities and salary range

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in our career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Spørgsmål til stillingen?

Shuai Wei Lektor, Institut for Kemi e-mail

Spørgsmål til ansøgning og proces?

Administrationscenter Nat-Tech - Nat-Tech HR [phone] e-mail