Chalmers University of Technology – Doctoral student in self-assembled optical microcavities
We are looking for a Doctoral student to become part of our team at the Division of Nano- and Biophysics at the Department of Physics. Join our innovative team and contribute to exciting research in self-assembled optical microcavities in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
About us
At Chalmers, research in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology is carried out in a broad range of activities. Chalmers’ researchers deal with basic research on the unique chemical and physical phenomena that prevail at very small dimensions, and promote the development of technologies that utilise these phenomena.
About the research project
The topic of the PhD project will be about tunable self-assembled optical microcavities, and similar lines, summarized in these publications:
https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2505144122
https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/sciadv.adn1825
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03826-3
The self-assembly processes in this case is governed mostly by attractive Casimir-Lifshitz and repulsive electrostatic interactions acting between gold or silver microflakes, a few microns across and only 20-30 nm thick.
Who we are looking for
- To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master’s degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in physics
- You will need strong written and verbal communication skills in English
We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled graduate student interested in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The research project concerns self-assembled optical microcavities and ways to control them. Furthermore, to broaden the scope of possible use cases for the technology, the selected candidate is expected to collaborate with experts in optical microcavities, nanophotonics, nanofluidics, and photochemistry. One could also expect a broad involvement of both experimental and theoretical disciplines.
A PhD in nanophotonics and optical microcavities is a perfect start for your career, whether you aim at academic research at the highest level, advancing technology in industrial settings, or spinning off your own idea into a start-up company.
*for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.
What you will do
- Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
- The position generally also includes teaching at Chalmers’ undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20% of working hours
- Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Physics (https://www.chalmers.se/en/research/we-train-new-researchers/graduate-schools/physics/)
If you’re offered a position, you are expected to start your PhD position before September 1st, 2026 (in exceptional cases, this can be slightly prolonged). The position will be placed at Timur Shegai’s research group at Chalmers. You can find more information about the group at:
or
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=btt8op4AAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
Contract terms
- The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from the start.
- The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to maximum five years.
- A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from March 2025).
- Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise, the admission may be withdrawn.
What we offer
- As a Doctoral student 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.
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.
Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here
Application procedure
The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. The maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
1) CV
2) Personal letter: a two-page written reflection on your background and your motivation to pursue a PhD. Specifically motivate your interest in the field of self-assembly and nanophotonics and in pursuing your PhD at Chalmers. This letter may contain a description of your current MSc project and/or future research interests, as well as of your personal qualities.
3) Master’s and, if available, bachelor’s thesis together with the grade transcripts.
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
Interview: In case your application passes the first round, you will be invited for an interview with Prof. Timur Shegai. This interview will be based on your previous research experience and plans for the future and will be held either in person or online.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.
We welcome your application no later than March 8th, 2026
For questions, please contact:
Timur Shegai
Professor
timurs@chalmers.se
We look forward to your application!
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
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.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Doctoral student in self-assembled optical microcavities |
| Employer | Chalmers University of Technology |
| Location | Maskingränd 2, Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Published | 2026-01-14 |
| Application deadline | 2026-03-08 23:59 (Europe/Stockholm, CET) |
| Job type | PhD |
| Field | Nanotechnology, Optics, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, Photonics, Photochemistry |