PhD Student in Experimental Physics

Umeå Universitet · plný úvazek

Umeå universitet, Umeå, Švédsko

The Department of Physics (https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-fysik/) at Umeå University conducts strong research in condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics, ultrafast spectroscopy, theoretical physics, and computational physics. We are announcing a doctoral position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK for the doctoral project "Spatiotemporal Information Processing". Application deadline: October 31, 2026. Earliest start date: February 2027, or by agreement. Project Description The project aims to develop concepts for ultrafast optical logic and optical memory using spatiotemporal metamaterials. The doctoral student will design metamaterial structures coupled to quantum emitters for ultrafast information processing and investigate how structured ultrashort light pulses can be used to control optical and magnetic properties on femtosecond timescales. The research will focus on developing protocols with sub-10 fs time resolution for all-optical logic operations, data processing, and spatiotemporal magnetic memories. The work combines nanophotonics, metamaterials, quantum emitters, ultrafast optics, and light-matter interactions, with the goal of creating new pathways for information processing beyond conventional electronic solutions. The doctoral position is funded through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK. The network offers a structured international training environment with research-specific and general skills development courses, workshops, conferences, and network-wide activities. The project includes a three-month industrial placement at NKT Photonics in Denmark focusing on vectorial ultrashort pulses and a six-month research stay at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom focusing on nanofabrication and characterization. The doctoral project will be conducted at Umeå University under the supervision of Associate Professor Nicolò Maccaferri. The doctoral student will also receive support through co-supervision and mentoring from Professor Riccardo Sapienza at Imperial College London and from an industrial mentor at NKT Photonics. The position offers the opportunity to work in a stimulating, interdisciplinary, and international research environment within the framework of a prestigious European doctoral network. Qualifications Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed a degree at the advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge. To meet the requirement of special eligibility for admission to research-level education in experimental physics, the applicant must have completed courses in the physics subject area of at least 120 higher education credits. The applicant should hold a master's degree or equivalent in physics, applied physics, optics/photonics, materials science, nanoscience, electrical engineering, or a related field. A requirement is that the applicant must be able to speak and write English fluently. Documented background in photonics, nanophotonics, ultrafast optics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics, metamaterials, magnetism, or related experimental and theoretical methods is advantageous. We are looking for someone who wants to work in an intercultural and international environment and has strong ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The applicant must meet MSCA's eligibility and mobility requirements, which means that the person must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment and must not have been resident or conducted their primary activity (e.g., work or studies) in Sweden for more than 12 months during the 36 months preceding recruitment. Terms of Employment The employment is intended to lead to a doctoral degree, and the doctoral student's primary task is to complete research education, which includes participation in the described research project and relevant research education courses. Teaching and other institutional work of up to 20% may be included in the employment. The salary follows the established salary scale for doctoral students at Umeå University. The position is financed for 36 months through the MSCA doctoral network SPARK where the salary corresponds to at least MSCA level (approximately 33,100 SEK gross per month) with the possibility of MSCA allowances for mobility and accompanying family. For the remaining employment period, alternative funding is available. Employment terms and other benefits follow applicable regulations. The employment comprises four years of full-time studies or up to five years if teaching or other institutional work is included. Employment begins in February 2027 or by agreement. Application The application should contain the following: A personal letter with a summary of research interests and motivation (max 1 page). CV Certified copies of degree certificates with English or Swedish translation A list of university courses with grades. Note that for international applicants, the grading system should be explained briefly. Copy of thesis work and publications (if applicable). Name and contact information for at least one reference person. You apply through our e-recruitment system Varbi. Application deadline: October 31, 2026. Log in and submit your application via the button at the bottom of the page. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format and be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. More Information For further information, contact the Main Supervisor of the project, Senior Lecturer Nicolò Maccaferri. [email protected] We look forward to receiving your application! Umeå University wishes to offer an equal and inclusive environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives forms the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position. 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