Aarhus University is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD Fellowship/Scholarship within the Graduate School of Natural Sciences (GSNS) and the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This research position focuses on investigating orbitronics, twistronics, and metastable states in 2D quantum materials using microscopic and ultrafast angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (microARPES).
Overview & Key Details
| Program | PhD Fellowship / Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Research Fellow |
| Research Area | Physics and Astronomy (Condensed Matter Physics, 2D Quantum Materials, Orbitronics) |
| Host Institution | Aarhus University (GSNS) |
| Location | Aarhus, Denmark |
| Position Starts | February 1, 2027 (or later) |
| Application Deadline | November 1, 2026 (23:59 CET) |
Research Area
The research is situated within Condensed Matter Physics and Nanotechnology. The project centers on designing and manufacturing advanced two-dimensional (2D) material devices and integrating them with angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) infrastructures at the ASTRID2 synchrotron light source. The goal is to uncover quantum geometric phenomena, realize orbital/spin/valley Hall effects, and lay the foundation for novel quantum and memory devices.
Scholarship Description
The successful PhD candidate will join an innovative project exploring orbitronics and metastable states in 2D quantum systems. The position provides access to advanced facilities, including clean-room fabrication suites, semi-automated assembly systems under inert environments, micro-focused synchrotron light at ASTRID2, and integrated ultrafast femtosecond laser beamlines.
Key research activities include:
- Design and fabrication of specialized 2D quantum devices compatible with microARPES measurements.
- Combining synchrotron and ultrafast laser sources to observe, excite, and manipulate electronic states with specific spin and orbital textures.
- Isolation, twisting, and stacking of air-sensitive monolayer metallic and semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).
- Developing techniques to handle and integrate air-sensitive materials into ultra-high vacuum (UHV) photoemission environments.
- Utilizing state-of-the-art laser beamlines at ASTRID2 for ultrafast femtosecond electronic structure manipulation.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Hold or be close to completing a Master’s degree in Physics, Nanoscience, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated interest in Condensed Matter Physics and quantum materials.
- Strong motivation to build expertise in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) setups, synchrotron/laser beamlines, and nanofabrication techniques.
- Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively alongside students, engineers, and international collaborators.
Location
The place of employment and primary workplace is:
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Aarhus University
Ny Munkegade 120, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their application electronically through the Aarhus University GSNS application portal:
- Consult the official GSNS Application Guide for detailed document requirements.
- Prepare required attachments, including transcripts, CV, and the project description (you may copy the project description from the call into a PDF).
- Access the online portal via the GSNS Apply Page (system opens September 1, 2026).
- Select the November 2026 Call, choose the Physics and Astronomy programme, and select the project: “Accessing orbitronics and twistronics with microscopic and ultrafast angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (Aotmua)”.
For academic inquiries regarding the project, contact Associate Professor Søren Ulstrup at ulstrup@phys.au.dk.
Last Date for Apply
The application deadline is November 1, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
View Official Call & Apply Here
