Two PhD positions on Polaritonics Materials at DTU Physics

We are seeking two motivated PhD students to join the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARKLE , a cutting-edge research network focused on “Advancing Polaritonics and Quantum Technology by Modifying Material Functionalities with Classical and Quantum Light.” Visit our website here .

About the SPARKLE Project
SPARKLE brings together 14 PhD students across 8 different European countries to push the boundaries of light-matter interaction. Hosted at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), you will become part of this interdisciplinary network and develop innovative tools and techniques to manipulate material functionalities using tailored laser fields and optical cavities.

By joining this network, you will contribute to advancements in:

• Controlling light-matter interaction and the resulting phenomena.
• Developing novel detection methods and innovative light sources.
• Developing state-of-the-art simulation methods for hybrid light-matter systems.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD student at DTU, you will

• Design and develop advanced atomistic simulation methodologies for studying interacting light-matter systems.
• Collaborate internationally with leading researchers and innovators across the SPARKLE network.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, combining theory and computational techniques to make an impact in the future of quantum technologies. For the specific details about the topic of the projects available click here.

Candidates for the PhD positions must have a Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science or equivalent by the time they commence the project. You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Important : As for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions mobility rule, to be hired you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

What we are looking for

• Have excellent grades in the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
• Be motivated, dedicated, and capable of working collaboratively within a team.
• Possess experience in theoretical condensed matter physics, especially in ab initio simulations for materials (preferred).
• Be proficient in scientific programming (preferably Python) and comfortable working with scientific software.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills (in english) and the ability to present and discuss scientific ideas effectively.

Who you will be working with
You will be working at the department of physics at DTU with Assistant Professor Simone Latini within the 2DPHYS section (for more info on the section visit the website here).  As part of a European wide network and you will have the unique opportunity of extended research stays in the other institutions within the network. You will also benefit from the tight connections to the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter in Hamburg, Germany. 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The expected start date is 01.05.2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position. The Marie-Curie Doctoral Network programme offer extremely favourable conditions in terms of salary and future employment opportunities. The planned mobility among eight EU countries and is a unique setting to this plus of these job positions. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from SPARKLE website , or by contacting Prof. Simone Latini ([email protected] ) or Jessica F. Bak ([email protected] ). 

You can read more about the Department of Physics at DTU Physics

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 28 February 2025 (23:59 Danish time) and you MUST apply online BOTH here through DTU and www.sparkle-dn.eu. Please pay attention to the specific application conditions.

Here, applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A one page letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• A list of publications (if applicable)
• Copies of BSc, MSc diplomas (if already obtained)
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale. 
• Names and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers of 2 references.

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.