Postdoc in Computational Physics of Semiconductors and Functional Materials

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 480,000 - 580,000; Full time

Job summary

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg seeks a Postdoctoral researcher to advance computational physics of semiconductors and functional materials. You will develop electronic-structure, atomistic simulations, and machine-learning methods to study atomic-scale phenomena and their impact on material properties.

The position offers collaboration with international partners, supervision of students, and teaching opportunities at undergraduate and master's level.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in physics, materials science, chemistry or closely related field.
• Strong written and verbal English communication.
• Experience in computational materials science or condensed matter physics.
• Ability to conduct independent research and critically analyse results.
• Willingness to collaborate and contribute to research and education.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research on electronic and atomistic properties of semiconductors and functional materials.
• Develop and apply advanced computational approaches to investigate complex physical phenomena.
• Collaborate with group researchers and international partners.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Contribute to supervision of master's and PhD students.
• Participate in teaching at undergraduate and master's level where appropriate.
• Support future roles in academia, industry, or public sector.

Skills

English proficiency

Independent research

Collaboration skills

Teaching potential

Critical thinking

Education

Doctoral degree in physics, materials science, chemistry

Tools

Electronic-structure methods

Molecular dynamics

Machine-learning potentials

Computational method development

Job description

Postdoc in Computational Physics of Semiconductors and Functional Materials

REF 2026-0499

Are you interested in understanding the fundamental physics of materials beyond idealized models? Join our research group at Chalmers to explore how electronic structure and atomic dynamics govern the properties of semiconductors and functional materials using advanced computational methods.

Our research group focuses on understanding materials at the atomic scale, combining electronic-structure calculations, atomistic simulations, and machine-learning approaches to investigate the interplay between atomic structure, dynamics, and electronic properties.

We offer an international and collaborative research environment, close connections to experimental groups, and access to state-of-the-art computational resources.

About the research project

The project aims to understand how complex atomic-scale phenomena determine the behaviour of semiconductors and functional materials. Topics of interest include charge localization, electron–phonon interactions, defects, structural dynamics, and electronic and optical properties.

We use a combination of first-principles calculations, molecular dynamics, and machine-learning-based methods to study materials under realistic conditions.

The specific research direction will be developed together with the successful candidate, taking into account their expertise, interests, and original ideas. We particularly welcome candidates who bring new perspectives, methodological expertise, or creative approaches to challenging problems in computational materials physics.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, or a closely related field.This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience in computational materials science or condensed matter physics.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, critically analyze results, and solve challenging scientific problems.
• Good communication and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to contribute to a collaborative research environment.
• Potential to contribute to research and education, including supervision and teaching.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has beenobtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Experience with advanced computational approaches, such as electronic-structure methods beyond standard DFT, molecular dynamics, machine-learning interatomic potentials, or computational method development.
• Experience studying electron–phonon interactions, charge localization, defects, excited states, or finite-temperature properties of materials.
• Experience with computational method development or adapting existing methods to address new scientific questions.

What you will do

• Conduct independent research on the electronic and atomistic properties of semiconductors and functional materials.
• Develop and apply advanced computational approaches to investigate complex physical phenomena.
• Collaborate with other researchers within the group and with our international experimental and theoretical partners.
• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences.
• Contribute to the supervision of master's and PhD students.
• Have the opportunity to participate in teaching at undergraduate and master's level.
• The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

We welcome your application no later than 30 Nov. 2026

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture.With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.

Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.