The Self-Organizing Systems Kinetics Laboratory at the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia (LU ISSP) invites you to join our team as a lead researcher in the study of ion irradiation of materials and radiation-induced changes (fixed-term position from 01.11.2026 to 31.05.2027), 1 full-time position. The laboratory focuses on materials research and characterization, with special attention to structural and physical changes induced by ion irradiation.
Position: Lead Researcher
Start Date: 01.11.2026
Employment Type: Fixed-term contract until 31.05.2027
Salary: 2500–3100 EUR/month (gross), depending on qualifications and experience
Key Responsibilities:
Planning, preparation, and execution of swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation experiments on project materials;
Selection of irradiation parameters, including ion type, fluence, and temperature, and coordination of experiments with project partners;
Sample preparation for irradiation experiments and subsequent materials characterization;
Structural and physical characterization of irradiated and non-irradiated samples and comparative analysis of obtained experimental data;
Processing and interpretation of XRD, Raman, SEM, and AFM data, as well as hardness and other materials characterization data, evaluating irradiation-induced changes in materials structure and properties;
Documentation of experimental results and preparation of materials for technical reports and scientific publications.
Requirements:
PhD degree in Physics, Materials Science, or a related field;
Scientific research experience in materials research and ion irradiation experiments, including heavy ion irradiation;
Practical experience in conducting irradiation experiments, sample preparation, and structural characterization of irradiated materials;
Experience in processing and interpretation of XRD, Raman, SEM, AFM data;
Ability to independently process and interpret experimental data and prepare materials for scientific publications and technical reports;
Ability to collaborate in an international project team.
We Offer:
Work in a modern scientific laboratory specializing in materials research and characterization;
Opportunity to participate in current research on the impact of ion irradiation on materials structure and properties;
Salary of 2500–3100 EUR/month (gross), depending on qualifications and experience;
Opportunity to present scientific results at international conferences.
Application
Candidates should apply by November 30, 2026, by sending a CV and motivation letter to: [email protected] with the reference "Lead Researcher in the field of ion irradiation and characterization of materials".
Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia, Reg. No.: 90002124925