Doctoral student in Spintronics

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Doctoral position in Spintronics

The Department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg is located in the center of Gothenburg, with approximately 100 employees. The communication routes are good both nationally and internationally. The research focuses within the fields of Atom- and Molecular Physics, Condensed Matter Physics and Spintronics, and Complex Systems and Biophysics and is performed in an international environment with extensive national and international collaborations. The education programs at the Department include Bachelor- and Master programs in Physics, physics teacher-training programs, as well as outreach courses in Physics aimed for the general public. Gothenburg Physics Centre is a close collaboration with three other departments within the Faculty of Science and Chalmers University of Technology, which creates an innovative environment for all researchers and students at the department.

For further information about the Department of Physics, please visit our website at www.physics.gu.se/english. More information about Gothenburg Physics Centre can be found at www.chalmers.se/en/departments/physics-and-astronomy/society-and-industry/gpc/.

General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university’s doctoral student pages. www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies

Duties 

The Ph.D. student will focus on the investigation of magnetodynamics in thin films, nanostructures, and spin Hall nano-oscillators. This position plays a key role in advancing cutting-edge research in nano-electronic device characterization, with a specific focus on BLS experimental techniques and BLS modeling.

The position requires proficiency and strong interest in the field of condensed matter physics, particularly nanomagnetism, spintronics, and experimental research. The core of the work will combine hands-on optical measurements with advanced theoretical magnetodynamics and optical modeling. Specifically, the student will conduct micro-focused BLS measurements and complement these experiments with advanced modelling and micromagnetic simulations, including magnetoelastic numerical simulations.

Strong interest and experience in the following domains will be considered highly advantageous:

• Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) microscopy (both experimental execution and instrument maintenance).
• Advanced modelling and micromagnetic simulations, specifically BLS modeling and magnetoelastic dynamics.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques applied to physical modeling, data analysis, or simulation optimization.
• Background in magnetic characterizations (e.g., FMR, ST-FMR) or nanofabrication of spintronic devices.

Additional responsibilities include the development and maintenance of optical measurement instruments and setups. Proficiency in Python or MATLAB (including AI/ML libraries) and LabVIEW for instrument control, simulation, and data analysis is highly advantageous. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with other Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to both experimental design and data interpretation. Further responsibilities include publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting results at international scientific conferences.

Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.

As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20% of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.

Information about the reserch group:

One of the department’s most prominent and successful research areas is spintronics, led by the research group of Professor Johan Åkerman. The group focuses on magnetodynamic phenomena, spin and orbital torques, nanofabrication, and the fundamental physics of spintronic oscillators and sustained coherent driven magnetodynamics. Their work also explores the use of these oscillators in unconventional computing hardware, including neuromorphic systems, reservoir computing, and Ising machines. The group possesses strong expertise in magnetic, electrical, and optical characterization techniques—particularly micro-focused Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS)—and leverages GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations to study and develop spin Hall nano-oscillators and sustained magnetodynamics. Prof. Åkerman’s team currently leads a major project aimed at advancing next-generation spintronic devices. To further strengthen these efforts, the department is seeking a Ph.D. student to actively contribute to this cutting-edge project, take a leading role in the BLS facility, and help drive its continued progress.

Eligibility 

Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.

The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:

1. having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
2. the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or
3. the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.

Specific entry requirements for this subject, according to the general syllabus, are:

1. hold a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or
2. have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or
3. have completed a corresponding programme of relevance to the planned third-cycle programme, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.

*Relevant for the planned third-cycle education

The specific entry requirements also include an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidelines for assessing English proficiency may include a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL test (or 213 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 on the TOEFL-iBT).

Assessment criteria 

The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies.

Particular emphasis will be placed on documented qualifications in the following area: Experience using micro-focused Brillouin light scattering.

Admission and employment 

Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.

The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.

Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.

A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years.

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, 4 years full time
Extent: 100%
Location: Department of Physics, Gothenburg
First day of employment: 2 February 2027

The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.

Please note, doctoral studies at The department of physics require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, The department of Physics has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.

Contact information

Regarding the position please contact Johan Åkerman, Professor, johan.akerman@physics.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives

Application

You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

The application shall include:

– Cover letter with an explanation of why you apply for the position
– CV including scientific publications
– Copy of exam certificate
– Two referees (name, telephone number, relation)

Applications must be received by: 4 December 2026

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services 
www.movetogothenburg.com/

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.