Postdoc in Optical Manipulation and Single-Particle Nanosensing, Chalmers University of Technology
Job Description
This postdoc in optical tweezers is in the Division of Nano- and Biophysics at Chalmers, Gothenburg. You will build new optical-tweezer and plasmonic-nanoparticle methods. They will probe nanoscale interactions one particle at a time.
At a glance
- Position: Postdoc, 2 years full time, with a possible 1-year extension (REF 2026-0416)
- Where: Division of Nano- and Biophysics, Department of Physics, Chalmers, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Pay: Not stated in the ad
- Apply: 21 October 2026
About the optical tweezers and nanosensing project
- Develop and run experiments with optical tweezers and single-particle optical methods
- Develop nanoparticle-based probes for nanoscale sensing
- Improve parallel optical detection, and combine tweezers with other microscopy methods
- Analyse data and help develop optical instruments
- Study how nanoparticles behave in complex environments, and publish the results
- Supervise some master’s and PhD students, with a chance to teach
The project direction can be adapted to your skills and interests.
Why this role matters
Single-particle methods show what averages hide. Optical tweezers and plasmonic probes let you watch one nanoparticle interact with its surroundings. This can lead to better biosensors. The division links physics, nanoscience and biology, so you build a broad profile.
What Chalmers is looking for
- A PhD in optics, biophysics, nanophotonics or a related field, held by the time of the hiring decision
- Strong written and spoken English
- Strong experiment skills in at least one of: optical tweezers or advanced optical microscopy; plasmonics, nanophotonics or single-particle optical sensing; experimental biophysics, soft matter or bioanalytical sensing
- Ability to do independent research and to work in a team
- Some teaching experience
Nice to have
- A PhD earned within the three years before the deadline
- Optical instrumentation and quantitative signal analysis
- Nanoparticle or surface functionalisation
- Microfluidics or measurements in complex liquids
- Work with biological samples, cells or microbiology (welcome but optional)
Pay and location
The ad does not give a salary. The post is a temporary full-time job for two years, with a possible one-year extension. It needs physical presence for the whole contract. You must show a valid residence permit by the start date, or the offer may be withdrawn. A background check may be done.
How to apply
Apply through the official Chalmers page. The closing date is 21 October 2026. Use the application form linked from the ad. Upload a CV with publications and teaching experience, and a personal letter, as PDFs. Email applications are not accepted.
See all our postdoc jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Chalmers University of Technology
Official advertisement: www.chalmers.se
How to prepare for this application
- Write the personal letter in four parts, as the ad asks: who you are, past research, fit with this project, future goals
- Describe your trap set-up in numbers: laser, objective, detection bandwidth and calibration method
- Revise plasmon resonances and how particle size and shape shift them
- Show your signal analysis: power spectra, drift correction and statistics on single-particle data
- Add your teaching experience to the CV; the ad asks for it
About Chalmers
Chalmers University of Technology is in Gothenburg, Sweden. It was founded in 1829. It has about 3,100 staff and 10,000 students. Its Division of Nano- and Biophysics works across physics, nanoscience and biology.
