PhD Candidate in "laser spectroscopy

Reference number PAR 2026/198

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

Marie Curie PhD position in Physics Applications of Negative Ions (PANIONS) Geneva, Switzerland (Full-time Position) and Gothenburg, Sweden

Negative ions are present in many natural environments, and they are used in many modern applications. Their unique properties make them ideal quantum systems for benchmarking state-of-the-art theories in atomic and molecular physics.

The EU-funded Horizon Europe Doctoral Network (DN) Physics and Applications of Negative ions (PANIONS) aims at substantially advancing our understanding of negative ions beyond the state-of-the-art from atomic to cosmic scales and bridging the gap between fundamental science and applications. Our interdisciplinary approach will be implemented by employing advanced theoretical models and sophisticated experimental methods. Key properties of atomic and molecular anions and their interactions with other particles will be investigated to fully describe negative ions in a variety of environments, from vacuum to plasmas, interstellar clouds and planetary surfaces. Experiments will be conducted at leading European research infrastructures. The host institutes are academic institutions, but each position will include an internship at a relevant industrial company.

PANIONS will train 14 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) across 11 host institutions across Europe in various fields, where negative ions are the common denominator. In this vacancy the remaining position will be announced. Students enrolled in the program will acquire a comprehensive skillset that is relevant to essentially any field of advanced science and technology which will prepare them for future careers in academia and industry. For further information about this PANIONS position, please visit: ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpanions.eu%2F&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpanions.eu%2F&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://panions.eu/ .

The following DC position is available:

DC12: Efficient negative ion sources for radioactive species; Host country: Switzerland; Host beneficiary: CERN; PhD-awarding institution: University of Gothenburg; Planned collaborations (secondments): Artemis Analytical Ltd., University of Gothenburg. Contact: Lukas.Niescern.ch, mia.aucern.ch , Sebastian.Rothecern.ch, Dag.Hanstorpgu.se

Note: we do not welcome emails from (nor will we reply to) recruiting agencies or commercial entities wishing to advertise our vacancies further.

Diversity is an integral part of PANIONS, as well as the EU’s mission.

All members of PANIONS (including the supervisors making the selection) believe in fostering a research culture where everyone feels encouraged to collaborate, and hold this particularly important when training new scientists. PANIONS members have been encouraged to recognize their own biases [1] and followtheir institution’s equality, diversity and inclusion training as well as unconscious bias training in a critical manner [2].

[1] ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimplicit.harvard.edu%2Fimplicit%2F&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimplicit.harvard.edu%2Fimplicit%2F&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/

[2] ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhbr.org%2F2021%2F09%2Funconscious-bias-training-that-works&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhbr.org%2F2021%2F09%2Funconscious-bias-training-that-works&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://hbr.org/2021/09/­unconscious-bias-training-­that-works

Additional Note: (for application in the CERN portal) - The "gender" field gives the option of two entries (M and F) and currently does not technically allow for another gender entry. In case you hold a third gender, please add this info to your CV, and we will disregard the answer given in the gender field.

Note that this information as well as the info on nationality is exclusively used to monitor whether we have a sufficient number of applicants and suitable candidates from underrepresented categories in this field.

INSTITUTIONS:

This is a joint position between University of Gothenburg and CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. The holder of the position will be hired for three years at CERN and one year at University of Gothenburg. The holder will, during all four years, be enrolled as a Ph. D. student at University of Gothenburg with the goal of obtaining a Ph. D. degreee.

The three years in Geneva will be located at CERN in the Accelerator Systems Department (SY), which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators. The SY teams design, build and operate equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D programmes.

The Sources, Targets and Interactions Group (STI) in the Systems Department (SY) has a broad expertise on the interaction of beams with matter and applies its know-how to a large spectrum of activities including particle production, beam intercepting devices, studies on beam-matter interaction and nuclear engineering.

The candidate will join the Laser Systems and Pulsed Particle Sources Section (LPS), responsible for the operation and development of the ISOLDE RILIS laser ion source ?url=https%3A%2F%2Frilis-web.web.cern.ch%2F&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Frilis-web.web.cern.ch%2F&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://rilis-web.web.cern.ch/ , ion beam manipulation, and the photoinjectors delivering electron beams to CLEAR and AWAKE. More information about CERN can be found here: careers.cern

One year of the position will be located at the Department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg. At this department, the research focuses are within the fields of Atom- and Molecular Physics, Condensed Matter Physics and Spintronics, and Complex Systems and Biophysics and is performed in an international environment with extensive national and international collaborations. The education programs at the Department include Bachelor- and Master programs in Physics, physics teacher-training programs, as well as outreach courses in Physics aimed for the general public. Gothenburg Physics Centre is a close collaboration with three other departments within the Faculty of Science and Chalmers University of Technology, which creates an innovative environment for all researchers and students in the department.

For further information about the Department of Physics, please visit our website at ?url=www.physics.gu.se%2Fenglish&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.physics.gu.se%2Fenglish&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.physics.gu.se/english . More information about Gothenburg Physics Centre can be found at ?url=www.chalmers.se%2Fen%2Fcentres%2Fgpc%2FPages%2Fdefault.aspx&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.chalmers.se%2Fen%2Fcentres%2Fgpc%2FPages%2Fdefault.aspx&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.chalmers.se/­en/centres/­gpc/Pages/­default.aspx .

At University of Gothenburg the position will be placed in the research group "laser spectroscopy" ( ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.physics.gu.se%2F&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.physics.gu.se%2F&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.physics.gu.se/ english / research / laser spectroscopy) led by Professor Dag Hanstorp.

Job assignments

Welcome to the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions

As a recent graduate from university or advanced technical institute, you’re no doubt looking for the chance to make your mark. Here it is: we seek lively and inquiring minds with a heightened sense of curiosity to take part in projects of advanced development work, in a broad range of applied sciences and engineering fields.

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions train young researchers, building the careers of tomorrow’s leaders in research and industry.

What could be a better boost for your career than becoming an Early Career Stage Researcher in an Innovative Training Networks project within the framework of the prestigious Marie Sklodowska-Curie programs?

The chosen candidate will during the time at CERN work on ion beam developments and techniques for the production and characterization of radioactive anions for the ISOLDE facility ( ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fisolde.web.cern.ch&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fisolde.web.cern.ch&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://isolde.web.cern.ch ).The holder will contribute to the development of techniques to efficiently produce negative ions from radioactive species at ISOLDE through work in the offline laboratory and will also participate in online experiments for their characterization.

During the year at University of Gothenburg the student will join the Laser spectroscopy research group" ( ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.physics.gu.se%2F&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.physics.gu.se%2F&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.physics.gu.se/ english / research / laser spectroscopy). Here the holder of the position will take courses, get basic training in laser and ion beam technologies and participate in research on photodetachment of negative ions.

In fulfilment of the MSCA rules, the PhD candidate has obligation to work exclusively for the PANIONS doctoral network for the 36 months supported through the funds of the doctoral network. This applies to the three years while employed at CERN.  During the time at University of Gothenburg, the doctoral student may to a limited extent work with education, research and administration. Such work may, before the doctoral degree is completed, not cover more than 20 % of full-time work.

Eligibility
In order to qualify for a place on the project you will need to meet the following requirements:

At the time of recruitment:

• Be in possession of a university degree (MSc) or corresponding qualification allowing you to embark on a doctorate. If you are currently completing your MSc, you may apply, but the PANIONS contract cannot start until the MSc is completed.
• Be in your first 4 years of your full-time research career (after obtaining your degree).
• Must NOT hold a PhD yet.
• Must not have held a contract with CERN (Graduate, Student, Associate...) at more than 50% presence for more than 12 months in the last three years at the day of recruitment.
• knowledge in one or more of the following topics: ion beam physics, ions sources, atomic and molecular physics, nuclear physics, laser technology, electronics, programming and data collection.
• Motivation and ability to work individually but also ability to collaborate with other researchers in large research projects.
• Candidates of any nationality can apply.
• Proficiency in English

Additional Information

The position offers:

• An employment contract for 36 months according to MSCA conditions, followed by a new contract from Gothenburg University for 12 months to complete the PhD according to the university standards.
• In accordance with the European Commission’s allowances for Doctoral Networks, a training allowance to cover training activities, conference attendance, etc.

NB:To be approved for MSCA financing the applicant, at the time for the application, should not have resided in Switzerland more than 12 months during the last 3 years. Moreover, at the time of recruitment, the applicant must not have already held a doctoral degree. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally been awarded the degree are not eligible.

Assessment

Selection among applicants who meet basic and special eligibility requirements is based on the ability to assimilate the education at postgraduate level.   

In addition to the qualification-based skills, it is an advantage to have knowledge in one or more of the following topics: ion beam physics, ion sources, atomic and molecular physics, nuclear physics, laser technology, optics, vacuum technology, electronics, programming and data collection.

You need to be motivated and able to work individually and at the same time have a good ability to collaborate with other researchers in a large research project.

In the assessment, special importance is attached to documented qualifications regarding:

• Degree from bachelor’s and master’s level
• Experience in ion-beams and ion sources and lasers.
• Research results
• Your potential, motivation and personal suitability for the position presented through a personal letter and during an interview.

During the selection process, an overall assessment will be made of written qualifications, interviews and references.

Appointment procedure:

To apply for this position, you need to submit identical applications both the CERN and the system:

Apply online here to CERN portal: careers.cern/jobs/marie-curie-phd-position-­in-phys...

Apply online here to University of Gothenburg portal: Göteborgs universitet Doctoral student in "laser spectroscopy

The following documents are needed to complete your application:

• A personal letter
• A CV including a list of scientific publications
• A copy of the last (highest) qualification including transcript of records
• Contact details of two academic or professional references (name, position, e-mail, telephone and indicating the relationship with the applicant)

Interviews will be held as soon as possible after the closing date and will include a video interview.

Employment contracts are expected to start as of 01.08.2026.

Note that your application will be viewed by all the members of the network.

Closing date: 19.04.2026

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

Global Benefits at CERN

• A monthly stipend of 5266 Swiss Francs net per month.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

Global Benefits at University of Gothenburg

• Paid PhD Position (Employment status) with a monthly salary of 36, 000- 39, 550Sek depending on your entry level.
• Fully funded doctoral education.
• 28-35 days annual leave depending on your age
• Comprehensive employee benefits include: health benefits and medical reimbursements, a wellness allowance of 2,000Sek per year, paid parental leave and other leave benefits.
• Comprehensive insurance cover through Kammarkollegiet.
• Structured Supervision and access to a strong international research environment
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

More information about us, here: careers.cern

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: ?url=www.gu.se%2Fenglish%2Fabout_the_university%2Fjob-opportu.%26h&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.gu.se%2Fenglish%2Fabout_the_university%2Fjob-opportu.%26h&module=jobs&id=3217381" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.gu.se/english/­about_the_university/­job-opportu.&h p o i n t;.

 

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.