PhD in Photophysics of 2D Quantum Materials

Admission to doctoral studies in the subject of technical physics with specialization in solid state physics.

at the Department of Solid State Physics, Department of Materials Science, Uppsala University Read more about us here About the Department of Solid State Physics is part of the Department of Materials Science at the Ångström Laboratory. At the department we work with both basic and applied research.

Read more about us here Project description Studies and exploration of two-dimensional (2D) quantum materials, such as transition metal diccalogenides (TMDs), have received considerable attention over the past decades for their use in optoelectronics. Despite this interest, the photophysical properties of these materials and the physics of defects in these materials, introduced via various exfoliation methods, are not well understood. The overall goal of this project is to deepen the basic understanding of physics related to defects and to provide new insights into the hotly debated subject 2D material defect Passivation, by utilising advanced vibration spectroscopys, time-dissolved optical spectroscopy and microscopy for the first time.

Tasks To be a doctoral student means to independently run projects within a specific research subject. You continuously collaborate with other doctoral students and researchers to create results in different projects and have one or more supervisors to support during your doctoral studies. However, you work to a large extent independently, e.g. through work in a laboratory environment and writing articles for journals and for results for your doctoral thesis. Usually some form of mid-term seminar is included after about half the training period.

When you are admitted to a doctoral programme, you are offered a position as a doctoral student. A position as a doctoral student at Uppsala University corresponds to a full-time doctoral education for four years.

Read more about the doctoral programme here You will be responsible for conducting advanced spectroscopic examinations of 2D quantum materials, such as Raman, photoluminescence (PL), transient absorption spectroscopy and X-ray spectroscopys. You will design, perform and analyze experiments aimed at understanding the exciton dynamics and mechanisms of defect Passivation of 2D materials from different exfoliation methods.

Additional responsibilities include writing scientific manuscripts, presenting research results at internal meetings and international conferences, and active participation in collaborative discussions within the research group.

Requirements Provisions for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) 5 chapter §§1-7 and in the university's rules and guidelines.

Qualification requirements Master's degree or Master's degree in physics, chemistry or related fields, or other education that is deemed to correspond to these qualifications.

Completed relevant courses in solid state physics or physical chemistry.

Good oral and written skills in English.

Wishful/crediting otherwise Basic knowledge and skills in 2D material characterisation are meritorious.

Experience with transient absorption spectroscopy is particularly beneficial.

Similarly, experience in programming in MATLAB, Python or similar for data analysis is highly meritorious.

Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as the ability to independently plan and perform work. You have a good ability to work towards goals and you are working focused to achieve them. In this you have the ability to focus, even at periods of high workload. You are communicative, where by this quality you cooperate well with others. You also have a good ability to write academic texts. Furthermore, you need to be structured and be able to work efficiently both individually and in groups.

Your application should include: A short letter (max 2 pages) describing yourself, why you want to doctorate and why you are suitable for this position.

CV (max 2 pages) A certified copy of your Master's degree/civil engineering degree and your course grades.

Copies (or drafts) of your degree project at advanced level and other documents, such as publications, that you wish to invoke.

Names and contact details of at least two contact persons who have accepted to be references to you, with any additional letters of recommendation. It should also be stated what relationship you have had with each referent.

The application should be written in English. We will continuously read application documents and call for an interview.

If the employment is limited in time, according to the HF 5 chapter § 7. The scope is full-time. Access 2027-02-01 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala Information about the position is provided by: Zhaojun Li, zhaojun.li@angstrom.uu.se Please note that this is an abbreviated version of the advertisement. To view the full ad, please click on the page "Application here" or see Uppsala University's website for job ads Welcome with your application no later than 20 October 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2594 Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7 500 employees and 53 000 students who with curiosity and commitment make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The employment may be safety tested. In the case of security clearance, a condition for employment is that applicants are approved.

We reject offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

The application is received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

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