Summary
Umeå University, one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions, is offering a PhD position in Experimental Physics with a focus on photonics and materials science. This fully funded position is part of the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK and involves research into ‘Spatiotemporal Hybrid Light–Matter States’. The successful candidate will work in a stimulating, multidisciplinary, and international research environment, benefiting from structured training, international secondments, and expert supervision.
Designation
PhD Candidate / Doctoral Student
Key Details
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Admission Start | February 2027 (or by agreement) |
| Salary | Approximately 33,100 SEK gross per month (MSCA level), with potential additional allowances |
| Employment Duration | 36 months (funded by MSCA), up to 5 years with teaching duties |
| Registration Number | AN 2026/1076 |
Research Area
The research project focuses on ‘Spatiotemporal Hybrid Light–Matter States’ within experimental physics, specifically combining:
- Nanophotonics
- Metamaterials
- Ultrafast Optics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Ultrafast light–matter interactions in engineered metamaterial systems
Location
Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
The project also includes secondments at:
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain (6 months)
- Ultrafast Innovations GmbH, Germany (3 months)
Eligibility/Qualification
General Entry Requirements
- Qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at advanced level (second-cycle), or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS credits at advanced level.
Specific Entry Requirements for Doctoral Studies in Experimental Physics
- Completed courses within the field of physics comprising at least 120 credits.
- Master’s degree, or equivalent, in physics, applied physics, optics/photonics, materials science, nanoscience, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
- English fluency, both written and spoken.
Meritorious Qualifications
- Documented background in photonics, nanophotonics, ultrafast optics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics, exciton–polaritons, light–matter interaction, numerical simulations, or quantum modelling.
- Willingness to work in an inter-cultural, international, and diverse group.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
MSCA Eligibility and Mobility Requirements
- The candidate must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
- The candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (such as work or studies) in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment.
Scholarship Description
This PhD position is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK. The network provides a structured international training environment, including research-specific and transferable-skills courses, workshops, conferences, and network-wide events. The doctoral candidate will explore spatiotemporal polaritons through ultrafast light–matter interactions in engineered metamaterial systems, aiming to realize hybrid light–matter states with femtosecond timescale control. The project involves ultrafast pump–push–probe experiments, finite-element simulations, and quantum models. Supervision will be provided by Associate Professor Nicolò Maccaferri at Umeå University, with co-supervision from Associate Professor Paloma Arroyo Huidobro (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) and an industrial mentor (Ultrafast Innovations GmbH). The employment is primarily dedicated to research education, with the possibility of up to 20% teaching or departmental work.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system, Varbi. All application documents must be in PDF format and written in English (preferred) or Swedish.
Required Application Documents:
- A cover letter (max. 1 page) summarizing research interests and motivation.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of relevant degree certificate(s), translated to English or Swedish.
- Transcripts with grades, with English or Swedish translation (international applicants should briefly explain the grading system).
- Copies of student theses and publications (if any).
- Names and contact information of at least one reference person.
Last Date for Apply
October 31, 2026
