PhD position in Experimental Physics with focus on photonics and materials science (applied aspects)

The Department of Physics (https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-fysik/) at Umeå University conducts strong research in, among other things, condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics, ultra-fast spectroscopy, theoretical physics and computational physics. We announce a PhD position within Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK for the doctoral project "Spatiotemporal Information Processing" .

The deadline for applications is October 31 2026.

The most timely start date is February 2027, or by agreement.

Project description The project aims to develop concepts for ultra-fast optical logic and optical memories using spatiotemporal metamaterials. The PhD student will design metamaterial structures linked to quantum emitters for ultra-fast information processing and investigate how structured ultra-short light pulses can be used to control optical and magnetic properties on femtosecond time scales.

The research will focus on developing protocols with time resolution during 10 fs for fully optical logic operations, data processing and spathiotemporal magnetic memories. The work combines nanophotonics, metamaterials, quantum emitters, ultra-fast optics and light-matter interactions, with the aim of creating new pathways for information processing beyond conventional electronic solutions.

The PhD position is funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK. The network offers a structured international educational environment with research-specific and general competence development courses, workshops, conferences and networking activities. The project includes a three-month industrial stay at NKT Photonics in Denmark focusing on vectorial ultra-short pulses and a six-month research stay at Imperial College London in the UK focusing on nanofabrication and characterization.

The PhD project will be conducted at Umeå University under the supervision of Associate Professor Nicolò Maccaferri. The doctoral student will also receive support through co-supervisor and mentorship from Professor Riccardo Sapienza of Imperial College London as well as from an industrial mentor at NKT Photonics. The service provides the opportunity to work in a stimulating, interdisciplinary and international research environment within the framework of a prestigious European doctoral student network.

Qualifications Basic eligibility has been obtained by those who have completed a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge. In order to meet the requirement for special eligibility to be admitted to doctoral studies in experimental physics, the applicant must have approved courses in the field of physics of at least 120 credits.

The applicant must have a Master's degree or equivalent in physics, applied physics, optics/photonics, materials science, nanosciences, electrical engineering or a nearby area. One requirement is that the applicant must be able to speak and write English fluently.

Documented background in photonics, nanophotonics, ultra-fast optics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics, metamaterials, magnetism or related experimental and theoretical methods are meritorious.

We are looking for those who want to work in an intercultural and international environment and have a high ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

The applicant must comply with MSCA's eligibility and mobility requirements, which means that the person may not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment and may not have resided or pursued his main activity (e.g. work or studies) in Sweden for more than 12 months during the last 36 months prior to recruitment.

Conditions of employment The purpose of the employment is to lead to a doctoral degree, and the doctoral student's main task is to undergo doctoral studies, which includes participation in the described research project and relevant doctoral courses. Teaching and other institutional work of no more than 20% can be included in the position.

The salary follows the fixed salary ladder that applies to doctoral students at Umeå University. The service is funded during 36 months through MSCA doctoral network SPARK where the salary corresponds to at least MSCA level (approximately 33 100 SEK gross per month) with the possibility of MSCA supplement for mobility and accompanying family. Other funding is available for the remaining period of employment. Conditions of employment and other benefits comply with the current regulations.

The employment consists of four years of full-time studies or up to five years if teaching or other institutional work is included. The employment starts in February 2027 or by agreement.

Application The application should contain the following: A personal letter with a summary of research interests and motivation (max 1 page).

CV Strengthened copies of diplomas with English or Swedish translation A list of university courses with grades. Please note that for international applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.

Copy of thesis and publications (if applicable).

the name and contact details of at least one reference person; You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi.

Application deadline is 31 October 2026. Log in and submit your application via the button at the bottom of the page. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format and written in English (primarily) or Swedish.

For further information, please contact Senior Lecturer Nicolò Maccaferri. nicolo.maccaferri@umu.se We look forward to receiving your application!

Umeå University wants to offer an equal and equal environment in which open conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.

To staffing and recruitment companies and to those who are sellers: We kindly but firmly object to direct contact with staffing and recruitment companies as well as sellers of additional job ads.