The Center for Polariton-driven Light–Matter Interactions (POLIMA) at the Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for a two-year position within the ADaM project (Autonomous workflows for Data-driven first-principles Modelling). By leveraging agentic Large Language Models (LLMs), the project will develop an autonomous framework for setting up, executing, and optimizing complex electronic structure workflows, ranging from ground-state Density Functional Theory (DFT) to many-body perturbation theory methods such as GW and Bethe–Salpeter equation (BSE) calculations.
We are looking for applicants with a strong background in condensed matter physics and first-principles modelling, and a demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research. The position is funded by an NNF career grant in data science and will be carried out within POLIMA’s theoretical activities. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Assistant Professor Line Jelver.
The position is available starting 1 May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The successful candidate will play a central role in developing and benchmarking an LLM-assisted software framework for first-principles simulations, thereby gaining extensive experience within scientific software development and AI-driven workflow automation. The work will initially focus on DFT ground-state workflows and later extend to excited-state calculations with applications spanning optoelectronics, energy materials, and molecular systems. Key tasks include workflow orchestration, integration of multiple LLM APIs, automated resource estimation, transparent logging, and benchmarking against established platforms such as AiiDA.
We welcome applications from candidates with a strong background in computational condensed matter physics. Experience with first-principles electronic structure methods and scientific programming is expected. The ideal candidate is highly motivated to work at the intersection of physics, artificial intelligence, and research software engineering, and is eager to contribute to the team effort of developing a robust, transparent, and sustainable computational tool. Experience or strong interest in LLM-based systems, workflow management, or high-performance computing will be considered an advantage.
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, an Administrative Supporter and approximately 15 – 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 postdoc position in an ambitious and supportive, international research environment.
· A dedicated supervisor research team to support the academic development of the postdoc.
· Access to high-performance computing resources and modern research 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 – 1h 15min 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 Line Jelver (lije@mci.sdu.dk).
If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.
Application procedure
Applicants are advised to read 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 PhD degree certificates or equivalent (copy of original/official English translation).
Complete list of publications.
Publications most relevant to the position.
A research statement may be included.
References/reference letters may also be included.
A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.
UPLOAD 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 15 March 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 employment
Appointment as postdoc is temporary for a two-year period, and the preferred start date is from 1 May 2026.
Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. 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 protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described herein. Further information on salary and taxation. 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.
See more and apply at https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu.
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/0c9857f7-fc67-40d4-aac7-e005c66419f3
