Postdoctoral Positions in Carbon Dots Design and Synthesis for Light-Emitting Applications (Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics)

Umeå University’s Department of Physics is offering two postdoctoral positions in the field of carbon dots design and synthesis for light-emitting applications. The research is part of the project “All-Plant-Based Artificial Lighting Solution for Greenhouses,” which aims to develop sustainable, high-luminescent nanomaterials derived from plant-based resources. These carbon dots are intended to replace non-sustainable materials in light-emitting devices, such as rare-earth-based phosphors and heavy-metal-based quantum dots, and to advance optoelectronic applications. The positions are supervised by Associate Professor Jia Wang, Principal Investigator of the Affiliated Group of Excellence at WISE – Wallenberg Initiative Material Science for Sustainability. The research group focuses on materials science, nanotechnology, and the development of environmentally friendly emissive materials. The project involves the design, synthesis, and characterization of biomass-derived carbon dots, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration with other researchers. Key research areas include organic semiconductors, nanoparticles, quantum dots, and optoelectronic device fabrication and characterization. Applicants must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field, with documented experience in the synthesis and purification of organic semiconductors, nanoparticles, or quantum dots. Experience with carbon dots is particularly valuable. Additional required skills include materials characterization (NMR, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, XPS, vibrational spectroscopy, electron microscopy) and photophysical characterization (UV–Vis absorption, photoluminescence spectroscopy, PL quantum yield). Good English communication skills are essential. Meriting qualifications include experience with thin-film sample fabrication and optoelectronic devices. The postdoctoral scholarship is funded by the Carl Tryggers Foundation, offering a tax-free stipend of 720,000 SEK over two years (360,000 SEK per year), paid quarterly. The second year’s payment is contingent on approval of a brief report summarizing the first year’s activities. The position is full-time for two years, starting April 1, 2026, or by agreement. The application deadline is February 16, 2026. To apply, candidates should submit their application via the Umeå University electronic recruitment system Varbi. Required documents include a cover letter, CV with publication list, degree certificates, transcripts, thesis and up to three relevant articles, at least one letter of recommendation, and contact information for two referees. Applications must be in English or Swedish and in PDF format. For further information, contact Associate Professor Jia Wang at [email protected]. Umeå University values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.