Two-year postdoctoral position in ultrafast dynamics in dielectric nanoparticles

Natural Sciences - Institut for Fysik og Astronomi; Denmark; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University invites applications for a two-year position beginning 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. You will contribute to building a dielectric nanoparticle trap and an ultrafast optics platform, including a CEP-stabilized laser system, to study carrier dynamics with pump–probe experiments.

We seek a PhD holder in experimental physics or photonics, with strong preference for those with ultrafast-laser experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in experimental physics, photonics or similar.
• Experience with particle trapping and ultrafast-laser techniques preferred.
• Experience with high-harmonic generation and attosecond dynamics an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Constructing a trap for dielectric nanoparticles.
• Setting up an experimental platform for ultrafast dynamics using optical pump–probe experiments.
• Setting up a CEP-stabilized laser system for attosecond carrier dynamics investigations.
• Disseminating results in papers and at conferences.

Skills

Ultrafast laser techniques

Particle trapping

Attosecond dynamics

Education

PhD in experimental physics, photonics or similar

Job description

Expected start date and duration of employment

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

Job description

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].

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.

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 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.

Om Aarhus Universitet

Aarhus Universitet er et fagligt bredt og forskningsintensivt universitet med høj kvalitet i uddannelse og forskning, og et stærkt engagement i samfundsudviklingen nationalt og globalt. Universitetet tilbyder et inspirerende uddannelses- og forskningsmiljø for 37.500 studerende og 9.000 medarbejdere med en årlig omsætning på 8,9 mia. kr. Læs mere på www.au.dk