Postdoc in experimental condensed matter physics

Applications are invited for a 2-year postdoc position in experimental condensed matter physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, Denmark. You will contribute to the development of synchrotron radiation and free electron laser-based photoemission techniques with high time resolution and high spatial resolution. The experiments will be combined with advanced data analysis and machine learning approaches.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a 2-year position from 1.5.2024 or as soon possible.

Job description

• You will be exploring the development of ultrafast X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultrafast X-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD) using free electron lasers such as FLASH, the European XFEL or LCLS-II, and possibly also high harmonic laser sources.
• You will also make use of the local synchtrotron radiation source ASTRID2 in Aarhus for angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy experiments on a micron length scale (microARPES).
• These experiments will explore the physics of novel quantum materials such as 2D materials and topological materials.
• You will be working with data analysis and data visualization tools for such experiments, including machine learning techniques for more efficient data handling.

Your profile

Applicants should hold a PhD in physics or similar.

Desirable qualifications are

• Experience with ultra-high vacuum.
• Experience in performing photoemission experiments (XPS, XPD, ARPESD) using synchrotron radiation sources.
• Experience in handling large amounts of data and developing code for doing so, including machine learning techniques.
• Previous work with free electron laser sources and experience with performing and analyzing XPD experiments will be an advantage.

Who we are

The project will be carried out in the research group of Prof. Philip Hofmann. The group combines a wide range of experimental techniques in Aarhus (including the use of synchrotron radiation from the local source ASTRID2) with regular beamtimes at international facilities. A close collaboration with a data science group at Aarhus University is in place to integrate machine learning tools into performing complex physics experiments. There are also local collaborations for advanced sample and device fabrication.

What we offer

The successful candidate is offered a 24-month postdoc position in a thriving and inspiring research group that investigates the fundamental properties of condensed matter at ultrashort time and length scales. The research climate invites lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research and a working environment with teamwork, close working relations and network activities among young scientists. The workplace is characterized by professionalism, equality, and a healthy work-life balance.

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Ny Munkegade 120, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. 

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Prof. Philip Hofmann, [email protected]

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 2.4.2024.

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

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

.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

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 depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

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.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.