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 and experimental frameworks for describing light–matter interactions in advanced nanostructures. The position is funded by a Novo Nordisk Foundation international RECRUIT grant awarded to Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track) Nicolas Ubrig and will be part of the Quantum Optoelectronics group.
The position is available starting 1 May 2026.
The successful candidate will join the Quantum Optoelectronics group @POLIMA and investigate the theoretical and experimental realization of an all solid-state nanophotonic device. The initial part of the project will begin with designing appropriate device geometry employing a broad spectrum of analytical, semi-analytical, and numerical techniques. Based on the results of the design process, a device will be fabricated and experiments will be realized that require combination of low temperature optical spectroscopy techniques and electronic transport.
We welcome candidates with a strong background in condensed-matter physics, optics and/or nanofabrication, who are highly motivated and eager to engage in highly ambitious research programs in combined theoretical and experimental quantum 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). The center is led by Professor N. Asger Mortensen, two administrators, and currently consists of seven research groups led by the individual PIs in close synergy. The Center hosts in total approximately 20 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.
What 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)
Workplace description
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.
Further information
For further information and details about the position, application, and the research center, please contact Assistant Professor Nicolas Ubrig (ubrig@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 March 15, 2026, 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 36.608 DKR. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.
The preferred start date is May 1, 2026.
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”.
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.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Odense Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Syddansk Universitet, Campusvej, 5230 Odense M
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 15-03-2026;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/find-job/899bc151-8aa0-429e-9e53-dd5c5c2837b8
