Leading Researcher in Physics and Astronomy (Laser Physics and Spectroscopy)

(R4) Positions: PhD Positions Application Deadline: 7 Nov 2026 - 17:00 (Europe/Riga) Country: Latvia Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full-time Hours Per Week: 40 Offer Starting Date: 14 Dec 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 UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA (Registration No. 90000076669), Faculty of Science and Technology, invites applications for 1 Leading Researcher position in the area of physics and astronomy, with specialization in laser physics and spectroscopy. The position is intended to strengthen research excellence and international competitiveness in Photonics. The successful candidate will contribute to research and innovation. The position is related to RIS3 Specialization: Smart Materials, Photonics and Technology. Work duties and areas of responsibility: conduct research in laser physics and spectroscopy, with an emphasis on developing mathematical models and simulations; conduct applied research into the development of photonics products with commercial applications; conduct research aimed at developing technological solutions for the Riga Satellite Laser Ranging Station; apply the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) to the development of photonics products; collaborate with other researchers and industry as needed when conducting research; as a project leader, prepare and submit at least two project proposals per year, requesting a total of at least EUR 300,001, until project funding is successfully secured. If, during the year concerned, the leading researcher is employed in the implementation of externally funded projects at the Faculty of Science and Technology or another institution at an average workload of at least 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE), this requirement is reduced to at least one project proposal per year, requesting at least EUR 150,000. If the leading researcher is employed full-time in the implementation of externally funded projects at the Faculty of Science and Technology, the requirement does not apply for that year. Upon successfully securing external funding for a project led by the leading researcher, the requirement to submit new project proposals does not apply until the project’s final year of implementation. In the project’s final year, the requirement applies again, regardless of the leading researcher’s workload in the project they lead or in any other externally funded project; supervise the scientific work of students, doctoral students or researchers. Main qualification requirements: PhD in Physics; at least 6 years of research experience; language requirements: Latvian (C1) and English (B2). Documents to be submitted: application to the Rector of the University of Latvia; CV; self-declaration; copy of educational documents. We offer: gross monthly salary: 3060,00 EUR; health insurance and social guarantees; 56 paid vacation days (8 weeks) annually, with the potential up to 10 additional paid vacation days; support for research, teaching, professional development or mobility; access to infrastructure, laboratories, databases or research equipment; opportunities to participate in national and international projects; the starting date of the position can be discussed for convenience. Applications must be submitted electronically through the website www.lu.lv/en/about-us/vacancies/ by 7 of November 2026. To learn more, please contact UL by writing to pd.vakances@lu.lv . The University of Latvia is the largest comprehensive university in Latvia with a prominent standing both in the development of the entire education system and in the overall growth of the country's economy. UL is a modern center of academic and professional studies, which, along with research in natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, technical sciences, and medicine provides opportunities to acquire various types and levels of higher education to the residents of Latvia and other countries. Requirements Research Field: Physics Education Level: PhD or equivalent Languages: LATVIAN Level: Excellent Languages: ENGLISH Level: Good Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: Faculty of Science and Technology Country: Latvia Contact City: Riga Website: https://www.lu.lv/en/ Street: Raiņa bulvāris 19 Postal Code: LV-1586