PhD position in Experimental Physics

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

The Department of Physics at Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-physics/ ) conducts strong research in the areas of condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics and theoretical physics. We announce one PhD position in the framework of Wallenberg Academy Fellow Grant project ‘Ultrafast optical metamaterials for energy-efficient logic operations and information processing – Towards light-based computing technologies’ (grant n. KAW 2023.0089 – https://kaw.wallenberg.org/en/nicolo-maccaferri ). The project is mainly experimental. Last day to apply is April 12, 2024.  Starting date is July 1, 2024, or by agreement.

Projects description
The ‘Ultrafast Nanoscience’ group at Umeå University is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate interested in performing research on ultrafast spectroscopy in condensed matter nanosystems. The PhD project interfaces exciting fields of research, including ultrafast science, photonics and chemistry, with an overarching goal to understand the dynamics of electronic degrees of freedom in nanostructured materials. 

The PhD student will study the nonlinear optical properties and the ultrafast electron dynamics in molecular photoswitches coupled to photonic nanostructures and explore the fascinating physics of the so called molecular polaritons at ultrashort timescales. The project results will disclose novel mechanisms to control molecular photoswitches for applications in quantum computing and/or optical transistors. 

The project foresees ample collaborative opportunities with other research groups in Europe, such as the University of Padova and the Italian Institute of Technology (Italy), the Materials Physics Center and CIC nanoGUNE (Spain).

Competence requirements
To fulfil the general entry requirements, the applicant must have qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at second-cycle level, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits including at least 60 ECTS credits at second-cycle level. To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level within the subject of experimental physics, the applicant is required to have completed courses within the field of physics comprising at least 120 credits. 

The requirements do not need to be fulfilled at the time of application but only at the enrollment. Fluency in English is mandatory. 

Candidates should have documented background in one of the following topics:
·        ultrafast and nonlinear optics
·        condensed matter physics
·        electromagnetism
·        photochemistry

It will be considered a merit previous experience or knowledge in one of the following topics:
·        polaritonic chemistry
·        nanophotonics
·        data analysis (e.g., MATLAB)
·        finite element and/or FDTD methods
·        basic programming/coding in C/Python and Labview.

Willingness to work in an inter-cultural, international, and diverse group, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, are fundamental.

Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students. The employment starts on July 1, 2024, or according to agreement.

The application
The applications for either project should contain:
1. A cover letter with summary of research interests and motivation (max. 1 page)
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Certified copies of relevant degree certificate(s) translated to English or Swedish.
4. Transcripts with grades, with English or Swedish translation. Note that for international (extra-EU)applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
5. Copies of student theses and publications (if any)
6. Names and contact information of at least one reference person.

You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. The deadline for applications is April 12, 2024. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. All documents should be uploaded in pdf format. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for online interviews within one week after the call deadline.

More information
For further information contact the Principal Investigator of the project, Assistant Professor Nicolò Maccaferri, [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application!