Two-year postdoctoral position in ultrafast dynamics in dielectric nanoparticles

Aarhus University; Aarhus; Remote; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, invites applications for a two-year postdoc position to join a project on ultrafast dynamics of trapped dielectric nanoparticles. Start date 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter; you will construct a trap and set up an optical pump–probe platform with a CEP-stabilized laser system.

The role requires a PhD in experimental physics or photonics, experience in particle trapping or ultrafast-laser techniques, and strong English

Qualifications

• PhD in experimental physics, photonics or similar.
• Experience with particle trapping and/or ultrafast-laser techniques strongly preferred.
• Experience with high-harmonic generation and attosecond dynamics is an advantage.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is expected.

Responsibilities

• Construct a new trap for dielectric nanoparticles.
• Set up a new experimental platform for ultrafast dynamics using optical pump–probe experiments.
• Set up a CEP stabilized laser system for attosecond carrier dynamics investigations.
• Compare experiments with simulations to gain insights into ultrafast material dynamics.
• Disseminate results in papers and at conferences.

Skills

Particle trapping

Ultrafast-laser techniques

Self-motivation

Collaboration in group

English proficiency

Education

PhD in experimental physics, photonics or similar

Job description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, invites applications for a two-year postdoc position offering applicants an exciting opportunity to join a new research project on ultrafast dynamics of trapped dielectric nanoparticles.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a two-year position from 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible hereafter.

In this position, you will be contributing to:

• constructing a new trap for dielectric nanoparticles
• setting up a new experimental platform for investigating ultrafast dynamics of dielectric nanoparticles using optical pump–probe experiments
• setting up a new CEP stabilized laser system and using this facility for investigating attosecond carrier dynamics in dielectric nanoparticles
• obtaining new insight into ultrafast material dynamics by comparing experiments and simulations
• disseminating the scientific results in papers and at conferences

Your profile

Applicants should hold a PhD in experimental physics, photonics or similar. Candidates with experience in particle trapping and/or ultrafast-laser techniques are strongly preferred. Experience with high-harmonic generation and attosecond dynamics is an advantage.

The successful candidate should be self-motivated and independent but still enjoy contributing to the collaborative atmosphere in the group. The candidate should have an interest in the interaction with and possibly co-supervision of less experienced group members, e.g. students carrying out bachelors of masters projects. Proficiency in spoken and written English is expected.

Who we are

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has a broad scope of experimental and theoretical activities within physics and astronomy.

You will be working in the “Materials and light” group, which hosts a broad range of research activities within this theme, ranging from ultrafast dynamics in dielectrics, semiconductors and scintillators to activities motivated by clinical applications of light-based radiation dosimetry.

What we offer

The department offers:

• a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment
• a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research
• a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
• a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Ny Munkegade 120, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Professor Peter Balling, [phone], [e-mail].

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications - and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, - the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications - and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, - the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

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 .
Guidelines for applicants can be found here.
Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxationand 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 and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.
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 their 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.