Postdoctoral researcher (f/m)

Institute of Physics, Zagreb, Croatia

Updated: 3 months ago

Job Type: FullTime

Deadline: 20 Feb 2026

20 Jan 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company: Institute of Physics, Zagreb
Research Field: Physics » Surface physics
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
Positions: Postdoc Positions
Application Deadline: 20 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Zagreb)
Country: Croatia
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 40
Offer Starting Date: 21 Jan 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No

Offer Description

Postdoctoral researcher (f/m) for a fixed period until 30.11.2027. for work related to the implementation of the HrZZ project "Soft-phonon physics and electron-phonon fluctuations in layered two-dimensional systems" (IP-2025-02-5926) within the Surfaces, interfaces and 2D materials group.

The main goal of the work is to theoretically describe electron-phonon fluctuations in the immediate vicinity of structurally ordered states (e.g., charge density waves CDW) in various transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). More specifically, it is planned to develop a theoretical framework that can describe the influence of dynamic electron-phonon fluctuations on electronic structure and phonon dynamics in the part of the phase diagram of TMDs where short-range CDW fluctuations dominate. The methods that will be used include density functional theory and many-body perturbation theory.

Candidates are expected to have good knowledge of condensed matter physics and/or material physics, density functional theory, high motivation to work on the described topic, and excellent knowledge of English. Priority will be given to candidates who have demonstrated excellence in previous research work (published in top journals, presented at international conferences, received awards, scholarships, etc.). Practical experience with research topics, including theoretical methods, is an advantage.

Mandatory requirement: completed PhD in the field of natural sciences, field of physics.

The following must be attached to the tender application:

1. Evidence of meeting the mandatory requirements

2. Evidence of professional training, schooling and education (diploma)

3. Letter of motivation with a brief description of scientific interests and plans

4. CV with a list of published scientific works indicating the candidate's strengths and experience

5. Contact information of at least two scientists from whom a recommendation can be requested.

Applicants claiming employment priority based on special legal status must indicate this in their application and will be given priority only under equal conditions.

Candidates who exercise the right of priority in employment pursuant to Article 102 of the Act on Croatian Homeland War Veterans and Members of Their Families (Official Gazette Nos. 121/17, 98/19, 84/21, 156/23) and Article 48 of the Act on Civilian Victims of the Homeland War (Official Gazette No. 84/21) are required to submit, along with their application and the documents proving that they meet the required conditions, all necessary evidence available at the link provided by the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs: https://branitelji.gov.hr/zaposljavanje-843/843

Candidates who exercise the right of priority in employment pursuant to Article 9 of the Act on Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities (Official Gazette Nos. 157/13, 152/14, 39/18, 32/20) and Article 48.f of the Act on the Protection of Military and Civilian War Invalids (Official Gazette Nos. 33/92, 57/92, 77/92, 27/93, 58/93, 02/94, 76/94, 108/95, 108/96, 82/01, 103/03, 148/13, 98/19) must indicate this right to priority in their application for the public competition, but only under equal conditions compared to other candidates.

In accordance with Article 13 of the Gender Equality Act, persons of both genders may apply to this competition.

A valid application is one that includes all the required documents and information listed in the call. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered, and applicants will not be invited to supplement their submissions. Applicants who submit incomplete or late applications or do not meet the formal requirements of the call will not be considered as candidates.

Applications must be submitted within 30 days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. Please send your application to natjecaj@ifs.hr as a single PDF document, in English or Croatian.

Applicants will be notified of the results within the legally prescribed timeframe.

Where to apply

E-mail: natjecaj@ifs.hr

Requirements

Research Field: Physics » Surface physics
Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Specific Requirements

Mandatory requirement: completed PhD in the field of natural sciences, field of physics.

Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent

Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

Mandatory requirement: completed PhD in the field of natural sciences, field of physics.

Selection process