PhD position in Experimental Physics

The Department of Physics at Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-physics/) conducts strong research in the areas of condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics and theoretical physics. We announce one PhD position in the framework of the ERC Starting Grant project ‘MagneticTWIST – Ultrafast control of magnetism with twisted plasmons’ (grant n. 101116253 – https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101116253). The project is mainly experimental. Last day to apply is January 15, 2024.  Starting dates is April 1, 2025, or by agreement.

Projects description
The ‘Ultrafast Nanoscience’ group at Umeå University is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate interested in performing research on ultrafast spectroscopy in condensed matter nanosystems. The project interfaces exciting fields of research, including ultrafast science, photonics and magnetism, with an overarching goal to understand the dynamics of electronic degrees of freedom (charges and spins) in nanostructured materials. 

The PhD student will study the physical mechanisms underlying light-matter interactions in nanoscale magnetic materials. By combining time-resolved (pump-probe) spectroscopy, finite element method and micromagnetic modelling, the candidate will design and realize plasmonic excitations affecting magnetic phenomena on ultrafast timescales. The project will disclose novel mechanisms which might have a huge impact on forthcoming light-driven data processing technologies. 

The project foresees ample collaborative opportunities with other research groups in Europe, such as Lund University (Sweden), CIC nanoGUNE (Spain), Italian Institute of Technology (Italy) and the University of Luxembourg (Luxembourg).

Competence requirements
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits. Prerequisites include 240 ECTS credits (högskolepoäng) of higher education studies, of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master’s level), or equivalent. In addition to these requirements, 120 ECTS need to be in physics. The requirements do not need to be fulfilled at the time of application but only at the enrollment. Fluency in English is mandatory. 

Candidates should have documented background in one of the following topics: 
·       ultrafast and/or nonlinear optics
·       condensed matter physics
·       electromagnetism
·       magnetism
·       plasmonics

It will be considered a merit previous experience or knowledge in one of the following topics:
·       magnetoplasmonics
·       nanophotonics
·       data analysis (e.g., MATLAB)
·       finite element and/or FDTD methods
·       basic programming/coding in C/Python and Labview.

Willingness to work in an inter-cultural, international, and diverse group, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, are fundamental.

Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students. The employment starts on April 1, 2025, or according to agreement.

The application
The application should contain:
1. A cover letter with summary of research interests and motivation (max. 1 page)
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Certified copies of relevant degree certificate(s) translated to English or Swedish. 
4. Transcripts with grades, with English or Swedishtranslation. Note that for international (extra-EU)applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
5. Copies of student theses and publications (if any)
6. Names and contact information of at least one reference person.

You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2025. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. All documents should be uploaded in pdf format. Applications not containing all the requested documents will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for online interviews within one week after the call deadline.
The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen).

More information
For further information contact the Principal Investigator of the project, Assistant Professor Nicolò Maccaferri, nicolo.maccaferri@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!