Website University of Southern Denmark (University of Southern Denmark)
Job description
The Center for Polariton-driven Light-Matter Interactions (POLIMA) at the Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, is seeking a talented, highly motivated PhD student to participate in the development of new theoretical and experimental frameworks for describing light-matter interactions in advanced nanostructured systems.
This position is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation International RECRUIT grant, supervised by Associate Professor (tenure-track) Nicolas Ubrig, and affiliated with the Quantum Optoelectronics group.
The position can start on May 1, 2026.
The successful candidate will join POLIMA’s Quantum Optoelectronics group to conduct theoretical and experimental work on all-solid-state nanophotonic devices. In the initial phase of the project, widely used analytical, semi-analytical, and numerical techniques will be employed to design suitable device geometries. Based on the design results, devices will be fabricated and experimentally characterized, involving low-temperature optical spectroscopy and electronic transport measurements.
POLIMA is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) with an initial duration of 6 years (2023–2028). The center is led by Professor N. Asger Mortensen and consists of seven closely collaborating research groups led by different PIs, along with two administrative staff members. Currently, the center hosts approximately 20 PhD students, postdocs, and visiting scientists. Several POLIMA researchers have received prestigious individual grants, such as Villum Investigator, Villum Young Investigator, DFF Sapere Aude, and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship. More information is available on the POLIMA website.
We offer a competitive and highly collaborative research environment where experimental and theoretical activities are closely intertwined. You will join a vibrant and rapidly growing research community and benefit from a strong international collaboration network. Our working environment is supportive, dynamic, and aimed at stimulating creativity and the development of innovative projects.
offer requirements
We welcome applications from highly motivated candidates with a strong background in condensed matter physics, optics, and/or nanofabrication, who are eager to contribute to ambitious quantum optoelectronics research projects that combine theory and experiment. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about contributing energy to a dynamic and ambitious young research group supported by the POLIMA center and its extensive international network.
Before applying, candidates are advised to read the information for prospective PhD students provided by the Faculty of Engineering as well as the SDU application guidelines.
Candidates will be assessed based on their application materials, which must include:
– A motivated application letter.
– Curriculum Vitae (CV).
– Certificates and transcripts for Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees (originals/official English translations).
– Completed 5+3 application form for TEK PhD applicants (available on the Faculty of Engineering website).
– Completed TEK PhD grade point average calculation form (available on the Faculty of Engineering website).
– If not from the Danish system: official explanation of the grading scale from the awarding university.
– For applicants whose thesis/examination project is only graded as “pass/fail”: an official statement from the awarding institution confirming that the applicant ranks among the top 30% of the graduation class.
– List of publications and up to 2 relevant publications (if available).
– References may be included; you can use the recommendation form provided on the Faculty of Engineering website.
– Other relevant qualifications/certificates/documents related to the position may also be included.
All documents must be in English and in PDF format.
offer benefits
– Employment as a PhD fellow in an ambitious and supportive international research environment.
– Dedicated supervisor research team supporting the PhD student’s academic development.
– Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure.
– Competitive salary and social benefits (e.g., health insurance, maternity/paternity leave, social security, etc.).
– The PhD appointment is a full-time position for 3 years with salary, including pension, with a monthly gross salary of DKK 36,608. With relevant prior research experience, placement in a higher salary bracket is possible.
– The University of Southern Denmark provides dedicated assistance and support for international candidates, including housing, visa, administration, and tax matters, particularly through the International Staff Office (ISO) and POLIMA administrative staff.
To apply for this job email your details to ubrig@mci.sdu.dk