About the opportunity
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. The candidate will work on developing new theoretical frameworks and computational methods to investigate polariton-mediated inelastic electron tunneling in tunnel junctions based on van der Waals heterostructures. Funded by a Villum Young Investigator grant awarded to Assistant Professor P. André D. Gonçalves, who will supervise the project, the research aims to explore electrically driven polaritonic phenomena and characterize the optoelectronic response of complex quantum materials. POLIMA is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation, offering a collaborative and ambitious research environment with strong international networks.
Salary and benefits
- A 3-year salaried PhD fellowship in an ambitious and supportive international research environment.
- A monthly gross salary including pension starting at 37,075 DKK, with potential placement on a higher salary step based on relevant postgraduate experience.
- A dedicated supervisor research team to support academic development.
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure.
- Social benefits including health coverage, parental leave, and social security.
- Dedicated institutional assistance with practical, social, and legal aspects such as housing, visas, and taxes.
Who can apply?
- Applicants must hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as condensed-matter physics or quantum nanophotonics at the time of enrollment and employment.
- Strong background in condensed-matter physics and/or quantum nanophotonics.
- Expected experience with scientific programming; familiarity with numerical techniques is advantageous.
- Must be able to meet the requirements for enrollment approved by the PhD School of the Faculty of Engineering.
Required documents
- Motivated application (uploaded under 'Cover letter', maximum 5 MB).
- Curriculum Vitae (uploaded under 'Resume', maximum 5 MB).
- Master's and bachelor's degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (copies of originals and official English translations).
- Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants.
- Completed TEK PhD form for calculating grade point average.
- An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding university (if not Danish).
- Official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade-giving institution stating top 30 percent ranking, strictly required only for applicants from programs that evaluate thesis/examination projects by approved/not approved.
- List of publications and a maximum of 2 examples of relevant publications, if applicable.
- References or reference letters using the Faculty website form, if included.
- Statement or documentation of other relevant qualifications, if applicable.
When to apply
- The position is available starting 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.
- The application deadline is 31 December 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
How to apply
- Read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and SDU guidelines on how to apply.
- Prepare all required application documents in English and PDF format, ensuring CPR numbers are crossed out and PDF files are unlocked and not password protected.
- Submit the motivated application under the 'Cover letter' section and the Curriculum Vitae under the 'Resume' section.
- Upload all other required documents under the 'Miscellaneous documents' section (maximum 10 files, up to 50 MB per file).
- Complete the submission through the online recruitment system before the deadline.
Additional information
- The preferred start date is 1 March 2027, adjustable by mutual agreement.
- Employment is contingent on enrollment approval by the PhD School.
- Background checks may be conducted based on open sources due to security measures regarding research in critical technologies.
- For inquiries regarding the position, contact Assistant Professor Paulo André Dias Gonçalves via email at padgo@mci.sdu.dk, and for technical problems contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for master's graduates with a strong academic foundation in condensed-matter physics, quantum nanophotonics, or theoretical physics who want to pursue world-class research.
- Well-suited for researchers with scientific programming skills eager to work on advanced quantum materials and polariton-driven phenomena.
- Provides an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking a fully funded, salaried PhD position with comprehensive social benefits in a Scandinavian academic setting.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires relocation to Odense, Denmark, though the university offers dedicated international staff support for housing and visas.
- Applicants must compile an extensive set of specific administrative and academic documents, including grade-point conversion forms and official grading schemes.
- Shortlisting and interviews may be utilized, meaning not all applicants will receive a full assessment.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This 3-year structured PhD fellowship suits individuals aiming to establish a rigorous academic research profile in theoretical quantum nano-optoelectronics, collaborate within an international center of excellence, and produce peer-reviewed publications under dedicated mentorship.
Our take
Motivated master's graduates with strong theoretical physics backgrounds and programming experience looking for a salaried European PhD position should seriously consider applying before the end of 2026.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
