5 Doctoral students in the field of Nanoscience and Light

About us 

Chalmers' researchers in Nanoscience and Light 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. The announced PhD positions can be placed at any of Chalmers' departments working in the field of Nanoscience and Light.

About the research project  

We are looking for (up to five) highly motivated and skilled graduates interested in a combination of nanoscience, nanotechnology, and light. The selected candidates will be offered a PhD position in one of the laboratories specializing in "Nano + Light" at Chalmers.

These positions are special in the sense that this is not an individual PhD call, but rather a broader selection process aiming at attracting students especially interested in the combination of nanotechnology and light. This, among other things, includes research disciplines like nanophotonics, metasurfaces, quantum and nonlinear optics, super-resolution fluorescence imaging, photoswitches, optomechanics, plasmonics, exciton transport, integrated photonics, etc.

A PhD exam in Nano+Light is the perfect start for your career, whether you aim at academic research at the highest level, advancing technology and business ideas in major companies, or spinning off your own idea into a start-up company.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

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 natural sciences or engineering. You will need strong written and verbal communication skills in English  Personal competences in accordance with the requirements profile, including specification (e.g., social skills, meaning that you enjoy collaborating with others)  *For students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted. 

The following experience will strengthen your application: 

Experience in one of the many subfields of Nanoscience and Light will strengthen your application, but it is not mandatory.

What you will do

Take courses at an advanced level within the graduate school of the department you choose 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 percent of working hours

Contract terms  

If you're selected, you're expected to start your PhD position by March 2027 at the latest.

The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from the start.  The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.  A starting salary of of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1, 2026). 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. 

The selection is based on three criteria:

1. Your MSc and BSc grades

2. A two-page written reflection on your background and your motivation to pursue a PhD as part of the personal letter.
Specifically, motivate your interest in the field of "nanoscience and light" 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. Your performance at an interview to which we expect to invite the top 10 candidates. The interview is preliminarily planned to take place in October, 2026.

To be eligible to apply, the final exam of your master's studies needs to take place (or needs to have taken place) AFTER June 1st 2025. If you are already accepted into a PhD school, you are not eligible to apply.

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 for references will be requested after the interview. 

We welcome your application no later than September 1st, 2026.

For questions, please contact:  

Professor Timur Shegai
Physics and Astronomy
Email: timurs@chalmers.se

Professor Janine Splettstösser
Microtechnology and Nanoscience
Email: nano@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.