Postdoc: Operando on chip investigation of failure in optical phase change materials using ultrafast X ray

Aarhus University, Department of Chemistry, Denmark, invites applications for a fully funded 2 year postdoctoral position starting September 1, 2026 or thereafter (to be negociated).

Project overview 
The goal of this project is to advance the understanding of failure mechanisms in optical phase change materials used in photonic devices, using synchrotron X rays and X ray free electron lasers (XFEL). Optical phase change materials can be reversibly switched between amorphous and crystalline states on fast timescales and are enabling materials for emerging photonic computing technologies.
The postdoctoral researcher will perform operando and time resolved structural characterization of materials and devices during switching, combining methods such as laser pump and X ray probe total scattering, WAXS and SAXS, imaging, and femtosecond X ray diffraction to probe structure and dynamics in real time under device relevant conditions.
Target facilities include DESY...