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The Center for Polariton-driven Light-Matter Interactions (POLIMA) at The Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, is seeking a talented and highly motivated PhD student to work on the development of new theoretical frameworks for describing light–matter interactions in advanced nanostructures probed by polaritons generated through inelastic electron tunneling. The position is funded by a Villum Young Investigator grant awarded to Assistant Professor P. André D. Gonçalves, who will supervise the PhD research.

The position is available starting October 1, 2025.

The successful candidate will work on developing new theoretical models and computational methods to investigate the fundamental limits of polariton-assisted inelastic electron tunneling in tunnel junctions made from conventional materials (e.g., traditional metals), two-dimensional materials, and their combinations. The project will employ a broad spectrum of analytical, semi-analytical, and numerical techniques to rigorously study these phenomena. A major focus of the work will be to leverage polariton-mediated inelastic electron tunneling as a tool for probing and manipulating light–matter interactions at the extreme nanoscale. This approach holds immense potential for advancing our fundamental understanding of light–matter interactions at the few-nanometer scale, with significant implications for the design of next-generation nano-optoelectronic devices with enhanced or entirely new properties.

We welcome candidates with a strong background in condensed-matter physics and/or quantum nanophotonics, who are highly motivated and eager to engage in world-class research in theoretical quantum nano-optoelectronics. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about contributing to cutting-edge research in a dynamic and ambitious young research group, supported by the POLIMA Center and its extensive network of international collaborators.

POLIMA is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) for an initial period of 6 years (2023–2028), with the possibility of a 4-year extension. The center is led by Professor N. Asger Mortensen and currently consists of two Associate Professors, two Assistant Professors, a Lab Manager, a Center Administrator, and approximately 10–15 PhD students, postdocs, and visiting scientists. Several POLIMA researchers have attracted prestigious personal grants, e.g., Villum Investigator, Villum Young Investigator, DFF Sapere Aude, and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowships. Read more on POLIMA’s website.

We offer a competitive and highly collaborative research environment with close interaction between experimental and theoretical activities. You will join a thriving community of researchers and benefit from a strong network of international collaborators. Our work environment is supportive, dynamic, and designed to foster creativity and the development of innovative projects.

We offer:

  • A PhD student position in an ambitious and supportive, international research environment.
  • A dedicated supervisor research team to support the academic development of the PhD student.
  • Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure.
  • A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g., health coverage, parental leave, social security, etc.) (https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/international-staff/getting-settled)

POLIMA is located at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense – 1h15min by train from Copenhagen Airport. The University of Southern Denmark offers dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects (housing, visa, administration, tax, etc.), especially for international candidates through our international staff office (ISO) and the administrative staff at POLIMA.

For further information and details about the position, application, and the research center, please contact Assistant Professor Paulo André Dias Gonçalves (padgo@mci.sdu.dk).

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.

Application procedure

Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and an application must include:

  • Motivated application.
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Master’s and bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (copy of original/official English translation).
  • Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
  • Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website.
  • An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish).
  • Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: An official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.
  • List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).
  • References may be included, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.
  • A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file).

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected.

The application deadline is August 15, 2025, at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST)

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.

Read about the Assessment and selection process.

Conditions of enrollment/employment

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 36.138DKR. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.

The preferred start date is from October 1, 2025.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment is contingent on enrollment approved by the PhD School. Enrollment will be in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described herein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). Further information about salary and conditions of employment. The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial evaluation, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

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The University of Southern Denmark wishes our staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, are subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex

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