We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to become part of the Langhammer Group at the Division of Chemical Physics at the Department of Physics & Anstronomy. Join our dynamic and cross-diciplinary team and contribute to groundbreaking research by combining nanofluidics with nanophotonics in the context of heterogeneous catalysis to bridge the pressure gap at the single nanoparticle level.
About us
The Langhammer group operates at the interfaces between nanomaterial science, nanoplasmonics, nanofluidics, label free single-molecule optical microscopy, single particle catalysis and hydrogen nanosensors. For that purpose, we continuously develop and evolve our own methodologies for state-of-the-art nanofabrication, as well as build our own customized research instrumentation.
Now, we are deepening our efforts towards developing and applying nanofluidic devices with nanophotonic functionalities in the context of heterogeneous catalysis in the gas phase, with specific focus on bridging the pressure gap and studying metal-support interactions at the single nanoparticle level. For this endeavour we are seeking a highly-motivated and scientifically ambitious postdoctoral researcher with a background in physics with focus on surface science and catalysis to join our dynamic, cross-diciplinary team. This project is connected to the ERC CoG project NACAREI and the Chalmers Academic Excellence Programme (CAEP).
About the research project
In this project, we will merge three paradigms – catalysis, nanofluidics and nanophotonics. Specifically, we will use our Nanofluidic Reactors (Nature Communications 2020, 11(1): 4832; Science Advances 2020, 6, 25, eaba7678; ACS Catalysis, 2021, 11, 4, 2021–2033; Nature Communications 2025, 16 (1), 7203) and combine them with our Nanofluidic Scattering Microscopy method (Nature Methods 2022, 19 (6), 751–758; Nature Communications 2026, 17 (1), 2533) to investigate catalytic processes occurring on single nanoparticles localized inside nanofluidic reactors.
These nanofluidic reactors have fascinating light-scattering properties, which we will exploit in two ways. First, we will explore whether light can be used to quantitatively measure the reaction turnover on few to single nanoparticles. Second, we will harness the interplay between plasmonic excitations in the catalyst particles and light scattered from the nanochannel. This will allow us to explore dynamic structural changes of the particles when altering reaction conditions, as well as spill-over effects to their support. Furthermore, we will explore the possibility of generating pressure gradients spanning up to 10 orders of magnitude along a single nanofluidic channel, within the field of view of an optical microscope. This will allow us to attempt to study the phenomena described above as a function of pressure. In this way, we aim to literally visualize and investigate the pressure gap in catalysis.
Who we are looking for
The following requirements are mandatory:
- An experimental doctoral degree in physics or chemical physics with focus on surface science, surface reactions and catalysis. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
- Strong and documented written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Personal competences, such as good social and collaboration skills, that make you excel in a teamwork-oriented environment where initiative- and responsibility-taking are a key parameter.
The following experience will strengthen your application:
- A doctoral degree that is not older than 3 years
- A previous postdoc position in the optical microscopy/imaging/spectroscopy domain in a heterogeneous catalysis context, or this aspect also having been part of the PhD
- Hands-on experience with UVH-systems and quadrupole mass spectrometers
- Hands-on experience with optical microscopy/imaging
- Hands-on experience with nanofluidics
- Programming skills using Python and MATLAB
- Analysis of complex scientific data through machine learning
What you will do
- Plan and execute experiment using tailored nanofluidic platforms nanofabricated by the Langhammer group's nanofabrication experts (you will not do this yourself), advanced optical microscopy and quadrupole mass spectrometry
- Execute sample characterization using electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopies
- Analyze the obtained data using Phtyon- or MATLAB-based tools
- Present the data at supervison and project meetings to discuss with your advisor and the entire group
- Present your results at scientific conferences
- Publish your results in high impact scientific journals
The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.
Contract terms
The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.
The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.
What we offer
- As a postdoc 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.
Application procedure
The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
CV
- A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
- Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.
Personal letter
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
- An outline of your future goals and research focus.
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.
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 November 15, 2026
For questions, please contact:
Christoph Langhammer, professor
clangham@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.
