PhD student in Materials Physics

We have the power of over 50,000 students and co-workers. Students who provide hope for the future. Co-workers who contribute to Linköping University meeting challenges of today. Our fundamental values rest on credibility, trust and security. By having the courage to think freely and innovate, our actions together, large and small, contribute to a better world. We look forward to receiving your application!

This recruitment is linked to the Impact Innovation program Swedish Metals and Minerals – an initiative of Energimyndigheten, Formas and Vinnova.

Read more: https://impactinnovation.se/en/programmes/swedish-metals-and-minerals-2/

Your work assignments

As a PhD student in this project, you will work in a world-leading group focused on application-inspired basic research in thin-film physics, particularly hard ceramic coatings.

The position involves conducting application-inspired basic research on thin film materials where the main goal is to develop new environmentally friendly surface coating processes with maintained layer quality, functionality and reduced energy consumption. The project is carried out in close collaboration with Swedish industry. Publication in scientific journals and presentations at international conferences are also expected from the successful candidate.

The project encompasses process development, plasma analysis, and the synthesis and characterization of thin films. It focuses on controlling and understanding the structure and properties of the coatings at the atomic and nanometer scales. Materials science is inherently interdisciplinary, involving close collaboration with theorists and researchers at other universities in Sweden and abroad. Our close cooperation with industry offers an additional opportunity for those who do not wish to remain in academia after completing their doctoral studies.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20 per cent of full-time.

Your qualifications

You have graduated at Master's level in physics, materials chemistry or materials science/engineering or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

Documented experience from PVD synthesis methods, like magnetron sputtering, plasma analysis, as well as thin film characterization techniques like XRD, SEM, TEM, or XPS is beneficial.

Fluent English spoken and written is required.

Your workplace

The Thin Film Physics Division carries out research, undergraduate and postgraduate education within materials physics.

https://liu.se/en/organisation/liu/ifm/tunnf

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at https://liu.se/en/research/doctoral-studies

The employment has a duration of normally four years' full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan.

Starting date by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/employee-benefits

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/hjalp%20for%20sokande.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the "Apply" button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than 30 September 2026.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: https://liu.se/en/article/lika-villkor/.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Linköping university has framework agreements and wishes to decline direct contacts from staffing- and recruitment companies as well as vendors of job advertisements.