Postdoc position in condensed matter theory

Chalmers University of Technology; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 480,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg seeks a postdoctoral fellow to join the Division of Condensed Matter and Materials Theory. The project focuses on phonon angular momentum and its influence on electrons, exploring novel phases of matter in and out of equilibrium.

You will develop microscopic models and collaborate with national and international researchers, with opportunities to supervise students and possibly teach at undergraduate or master’s level.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or an equivalent foreign degree must be met by time of employment decision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English.
• Interest in fostering a productive, supportive, and interactive scientific environment.
• Experience in teaching and demonstrated potential in research and education.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to scientific projects with national and international collaborators, including presentations and publications.
• Develop and advance concepts in angular momentum transfer, chiral phonons, and phonon angular momentum related phases.
• Establish an individual research line aligned with background and interests.
• Supervise master’s and PhD students to a certain extent.
• Engage in teaching at undergraduate or master’s level.

Skills

Many-body physics

Condensed matter physics

Non-equilibrium statistical physics

Phonon dynamics / chiral phonons

English communication

Teaching potential

Education

PhD in Physics or equivalent

Job description

About the Division

We are looking for a postdoc to join our team at the Division of Condensed Matter and Materials Theory, Department of Physics and Astronomy. Become part of our innovative group and contribute to exciting research in quantum materials theory and statistical physics within a collaborative and dynamic environment.

About the Research Project

This opportunity is part of a broader research initiative centered on investigating the influence of phonon angular momentum on electrons and the resulting formation of novel collective states of matter, both in and out of equilibrium. You will develop microscopic models for angular momentum transfer, with potential applications to superconductivity, magnetism, ultrafast transport, and ultrafast thermodynamics.

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in physics or an equivalent foreign degree (must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A personal interest in fostering a productive, supportive, and interactive scientific environment.
• Aged experience in teaching and a demonstrated potential in research and education.
• Experience (advantageous) in one or more of the following areas:
  • Many‑body physics
  • Condensed matter physics
  • Non‑equilibrium statistical physics
  • Phonon dynamics / chiral and axial phonons

Responsibilities

• Contribute to scientific projects alongside national and international collaborators, engaging in presentations, discussions, and publications.
• Shape innovative concepts within the emerging fields of angular momentum transfer, chiral phonons, and novel phases of matter involving phonon angular momentum.
• Strengthen the group’s focus areas by establishing an individual research line that aligns with your background and interests.
• Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent.
• Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate or master’s level.

Contract Terms

The position is a temporary full‑time employment for two years with the possibility of a one‑year extension. The role requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

Benefits

As a postdoc at Chalmers you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. You will work in a dynamic and inspiring environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. Chalmers offers generous parental leave, subsidised day care, free schools, healthcare and other benefits. Chalmers strongly promotes gender balance and actively works with equality projects. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.