Postdoc in Optical Manipulation and Single-Particle Nanosensing

Chalmers University of Technology; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg invites applications for a postdoctoral position in nanoscale optical manipulation and sensing. The Division of Nano- and Biophysics, in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, develops optical tweezers and nanoparticle-based approaches for probing interactions at the single-particle level.

You will contribute to both technical development and fundamental biophysics research, improve parallelized optical detection, and integrate tweezers with

Qualifications

• PhD in optics, biophysics, nanophotonics, or related discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong experimental background in optical tweezers, plasmonics, nanoparticles, or single-particle sensing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and perform experiments using optical tweezers and single-particle optical techniques.
• Develop nanoparticle-based approaches for nanoscale probing and sensing.
• Contribute to optical instrumentation development and data analysis.
• Investigate nanoparticle behaviour in complex environments and publish results.
• Supervise master's/PhD students and engage in teaching at undergraduate/masters level.

Skills

English proficiency

Optical tweezers

Nanophotonics

Single-particle sensing

Experimental biophysics

Education

Doctoral degree in optics/biophysics/nanophotonics

Tools

Optical instrumentation

Quantitative signal analysis

Job description

Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research in nanoscale optical manipulation and sensing? Join us at the Division of Nano- and Biophysics, at The Department of Physics and Astronomy, and develop new optical-tweezers and nanoparticle-based approaches for probing nanoscale interactions in complex environments at the single-particle level.

About Us

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.

You will join a collaborative research environment with opportunities for interdisciplinary interaction and collaboration across Chalmers, including research with biomedical relevance.

About The Research Project

The project focuses on developing single-particle approaches for probing and sensing at the nanoscale using optical tweezers and plasmonic nanoparticles.

You will contribute to both technical development and fundamental research. This may include improving parallelized optical detection, integrating optical tweezers with complementary microscopy techniques, and developing nanoprobe-based sensing methods.

A central goal is to understand nanoparticle behaviour and interactions in complex environments and to establish new approaches for quantitative nanoscale biophysics. The exact direction of the project can be adapted to the successful candidate's expertise and research interests.

Who We Are Looking For

• A doctoral degree in optics, biophysics, nanophotonics, or a related discipline, or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A strong experimental background in at least one of the following areas:
  • optical manipulation, optical tweezers, or advanced optical microscopy;
  • plasmonics, nanophotonics, nanoparticles, or single-particle optical sensing;
  • experimental biophysics, biomolecular interactions, soft matter, or bioanalytical sensing.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research while also contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Curiosity, creativity, and a genuine interest in pushing the boundaries of optical research at the nanoscale.

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

The Following Experience Will Strengthen Your Application

• It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience with optical instrumentation and quantitative signal analysis.
• Experience with nanoparticle or surface functionalization.
• Experience with microfluidics or measurements in complex liquids.
• Experience with biological samples, cell experiments, or microbiology is welcome but not required.

What You Will Do

• Develop and perform experiments using optical tweezers and single-particle optical techniques.
• Develop nanoparticle-based approaches for nanoscale probing and sensing.
• Contribute to optical instrumentation development, data analysis, and integration with complementary microscopy techniques.
• Investigate nanoparticle behaviour and interactions in complex environments and communicate the results through publications and presentations.
• Supervise master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent, with the possibility to engage in teaching at 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 ourbenefits 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.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

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

We welcome your application no later than 21st of October.

Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

For Questions, Please Contact

Hana Jungova, Div. Nano and Biophysics, Dpt. of Physics

Email: [e-mail]

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.