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 van der Walls heterostructures probed by polaritons generated through inelastic 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 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The successful candidate will develop new theoretical frameworks and computational methods to investigate the fundamental limits of polariton-mediated inelastic electron tunneling in tunnel junctions based on van der Waals heterostructures composed of atomically thin materials. The project will employ a broad range of analytical, semi-analytical, and numerical techniques to explore electrically driven polaritonic phenomena. A major focus will be on harnessing polariton-mediated inelastic electron tunneling as a tool to probe and manipulate light–matter interactions at the nanoscale, as well as to characterize the optoelectronic response of complex quantum materials.
We welcome candidates with a strong background in condensed-matter physics and/or quantum nanophotonics who are highly motivated and eager to pursue world-class research in theoretical quantum nano-optoelectronics. Experience with scientific programming is expected, while familiarity with numerical techniques is advantageous but not required. 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 Professors, three 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, Novo Nordisk’s Foundation RECRUIT and Data Science Investigator – Emerging, and Maria Skłodowska-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.
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.
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:
All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected.
SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file).
The application deadline is 31 December, 2026, at 11:59 PM / 23:59 (CET/CEST)
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.
Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 37.075 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.
The preferred start date is 1 March 2026 (may be adjusted by mutual agreement) or as soon as possible thereafter.
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 including the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described therein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).
Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. Further information on salary and taxation.
Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.
The University of Southern Denmark wishes its 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, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).
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.
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.
