PhD student in Materials Physics

Uppsala University hereby declares a PhD student position in Materials Physics, at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, to be open for application.The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over nine divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 100 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities.Read more about the Department of Physics and Astronomy hereThe research within the division of Materials Physics, at Uppsala University, is centred around understanding the physical properties of materials by analysing their structure and composition across multiple length scales, from the atomic to the macroscopic, and linking them to functional properties. Core areas are magnetism, hydrogen, energy materials, soft matter and ion-solid interactions.Read more about the division of Materials Physics hereProject DescriptionThis PhD project aims to investigate how volatile fission products — such as xenon, krypton, iodine, and caesium — concentrate, diffuse, and redistribute within various types of nuclear fuel under different thermal conditions. The core experimental approach will involve ion implantation of these volatile elements into unirradiated nuclear fuel samples, followed by elemental depth profiling using ion-beam based measurement techniques. Subsequent thermal annealing experiments will be performed to study diffusion and retention behaviours, providing quantitative insights into elemental migration. To complement these studies, a suite of materials characterisation techniques will be applied to correlate the chemical and isotopic profiles with microstructural changes induced by implantation and heat treatment. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with experts from two Swedish universities and three major companies in the Swedish nuclear industry.DutiesThe doctoral project will be focused on obtaining new information on the diffusion of volatile elements in nuclear fuels. Specifically, this includes:optimising the methodology, in terms of accuracy and throughput;upgrading the infrastructure presently available, to enable implantation at elevated sample temperatures, as well as in-situ annealing;identifying trends in microstructural effects on diffusion;identifying trends in compositional effects on diffusion;working with atomistic models of diffusion.RequirementsTo meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must:hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in a natural science discipline, orhave completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits,or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way;be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills in English as well as excellent academic records;and have the personal capabilities necessary to carry out fully the duties of the appointment.Appointment as a graduate student requires that the holder is admitted or will be admitted to PhD studies, where the applicant’s ability to successfully complete the doctoral studies will be decisive.Additional QualificationsIt is considered advantageous a background in either a Physics, Material Science or equivalent; strong data analysis skills; past experiences in vacuum systems. Experience in materials research with ion beams is beneficial.Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5,1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.Information about doctoral education, eligibility requirements and admission rules can be found on the web site of the Faculty of Technology.About The EmploymentThe employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 57. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.For further information about the position, please contact: Robert Frost, rob.frost@physics.uu.se.About The ApplicationApplications should include a brief description of research interest and past experience, a CV, copies of degrees and official transcripts of records including grades, a copy of your Master thesis (or a draft thereof) and other relevant documents. The candidates should provide contact information for at least two references, including name, position, work address, email, and phone number.Please submit your application by the 24th of November 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3112.Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala Universityhttps://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The position may be subject to security vetting. If security vetting is conducted, the applicant must pass the vetting process to be eligible for employment. Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services. Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 | Ort: Uppsala | Län: Uppsala län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: UFV-PA 2025/3112 | Publicerat: 2025-10-21 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2025-11-24