Postdoc in Metasurfaces and optical manipulation

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Dynamic Gothenburg environment

Job summary

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg invites applications for a Postdoc in Metasurfaces and optical manipulation. The project combines nanofabrication, optical experiments, and simulations to advance nanophotonics and light–matter interactions.

You will work in the Division of Nano- and Biophysics and in a vibrant, international research environment. You will fabricate metasurfaces, test laser sources in the cleanroom, and perform experiments and simulations.

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in physics, photonics or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Extensive documented experience of electron beam lithography, optical experiments, and optical simulations.

Responsibilities

• Formulate research goals and methodologies with advisors and colleagues.
• Fabricate optical metasurfaces and miniature laser sources in the cleanroom and perform experiments and simulations.
• Conduct and present cutting-edge research for future academic or industry careers.
• Contribute to maintenance of research labs.
• Engage in teaching and supervision at undergraduate/masters level.

Skills

Electron beam lithography

Optical experiments

Optical simulations

Nanofabrication

English communication

Education

PhD in Physics or Photonics

Job description

Postdoc in Metasurfaces and optical manipulation

REF 2026-0519

Would you like to explore how metasurfaces can be used to manipulate light and matter? In this postdoctoral position, you will combine advanced nanofabrication, optical experiments, and simulations to push the boundaries of nanophotonics and optical manipulation.

About us

At the department of Physics and Astronomy , we push the boundaries of the unknown. Curiosity drives us to explore the fundamental laws that govern our world, the structures of the universe, and the building blocks with which we create new and better materials and energy systems.We conduct cutting-edge research in a creative and international setting, working alongside other academic institutions at the very forefront of their fields. Science, learning and collaboration are at the heart of what we do, and we work in an environment where inclusion and excellence go hand in hand.

The Division of Nano- and Biophysics at Chalmers University of Technology conducts interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, nanoscience, and biology. Our research spans biomolecular physics, nanophotonics, and light–matter interactions, with a growing focus on nanoscale optical manipulation and sensing.

About the research project

The postdoc position focuses on the design, fabrication, and analysis of optical metasurfaces, integration of metasurfaces with various laser sources, and applications thereof, including manipulation of microparticles in liquids using optical forces and/or photothermally induced liquid flows. The position involves cleanroom work, in particular electron beam lithography, as well as experimental studies in advanced optics laboratories. Specific formulation of research objectives will be decided in discussions with the successful applicant.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree inphysics, photonics or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Extensive documented experience of electron beam lithography, preferably in several different material systems, optical experiments, and optical simulations.

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

The following personal characteristics are crucial:

• Independence in driving research.
• Resilience to overcome experimental failures.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills.

What you will do

• You will formulate reasarch goals and methodologies together with advisors and colleges.
• You will fabricate optical metasurfaces and miniature laser sources in Chalmers cleanroom, and you will perform experiments and simulations on these samples.
• Your main responsiblity is to conduct and present cutting edge research so as to qualify yourself for further career steps in academia or industry
• You will contribute to maintenance of research labs
• You might engage in teaching and supervision at the undergraduate/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 thanDecember 5, 2026

For questions, please contact:

[e-mail]

We look forward to your application!

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.