PhD position in Experimental Physics with focus on photonics and materials science (applied aspects)

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 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 condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics, ultrafast spectroscopy, and theoretical and computational physics. We announce a PhD position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK for the doctoral project ‘Spatiotemporal Information Processing’. 

Last day to apply is October 31, 2026.
The earliest starting date is February 2027, or by agreement.

Project description 

The project will develop ultrafast optical logic and memory concepts using spatiotemporal metamaterials. The doctoral candidate will design metamaterial structures coupled to quantum emitters for ultrafast information processing and investigate how structured ultrashort light pulses can control optical and magnetic properties on femtosecond timescales.

The research will focus on developing sub-10 fs protocols for all-optical logic operations, data processing, and spatiotemporal magnetic memories. The work combines nanophotonics, metamaterials, quantum emitters, ultrafast optics, and light–matter interaction, with the aim of creating new routes for information processing beyond conventional electronic approaches.

The doctoral candidate position is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK. The network offers a structured international training environment with research-specific and transferable-skills courses, workshops, conferences, and network-wide events. The project includes a 3-month industrial secondment at NKT Photonics in Denmark, focusing on vectorial ultrashort pulses, and a 6-month research secondment at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom, focusing on nanofabrication and characterization.

The doctoral project will be carried out at Umeå University under the supervision of Associate Professor Nicolò Maccaferri. The candidate will also benefit from co-supervision and mentoring by Professor Riccardo Sapienza at Imperial College London and from an industrial mentor at NKT Photonics. The position provides the opportunity to work in a stimulating, multidisciplinary, and international research environment within a prestigious European training network.

Competence requirements

To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level, applicants are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits. The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen). Applicants should have a Master’s degree, or equivalent, in physics, applied physics, optics/photonics, nanoscience, materials science, electrical engineering, or a closely related field. Fluency in English is mandatory. A documented background in photonics, nanophotonics, ultrafast optics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics, metamaterials, magnetism, or related experimental or theoretical methods is meritorious.

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.

The applicant must meet the MSCA eligibility and mobility requirements: the candidate must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment and must not have resided or carried out their main activity, such as work or studies, in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment.

Terms of employment

The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree, and the main assignment for the doctoral student is to take part in research education, including participation in the described research project and relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work, up to a maximum of 20%, may be included. 

The salary follows the established salary level for doctoral students at Umeå University. The position is funded for 36 months through the MSCA Doctoral Network SPARK, with a salary corresponding to at least the MSCA level (approximately 33 100 SEK gross per month), with the possibility of additional MSCA allowances for mobility and accompanying family members. Funding for the remainder of the employment period is provided from other sources. Employment conditions and additional benefits for employees according to applicable regulations.

The employment is limited to four years at full-time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The employment starts in February 2027 or according to agreement.

The application 

The application should contain:

You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2026. Log in and submit your application via the button at the bottom of the page. All application documents must be uploaded in PDF format and should be written in English (preferred) or Swedish.

More information

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

We look forward to receiving your application!