Summary
A fully funded PhD position in Attosecond Molecular Dynamics is available at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Materials, Nanoscience and Condensed Matter Physics (IFIMAC) and the Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Spain. The project focuses on understanding ultrafast coupled electron–nuclear dynamics in molecules interacting with attosecond and few-femtosecond laser pulses, spanning UV-Vis to X-ray frequencies.
The PhD will be supervised by Stefano M. Cavaletto and Fernando Martín and funded through an FPI predoctoral fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation under the project “Laser-induced ultrafast molecular dynamics in the gas and solid phase” (PID2025-168755NB-C21).
Designation
PhD Researcher / Predoctoral Fellow – Attosecond Molecular Dynamics
Research Area
- Attosecond physics
- Ultrafast molecular dynamics
- Quantum dynamics
- Theoretical chemistry
- Light–matter interaction
- Nonadiabatic molecular dynamics
- Ultrafast spectroscopy
- Atomic, molecular and optical physics
- Computational/theoretical physics
Location
Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should have:
- An MSc degree in Physics, Theoretical Chemistry, or a related field.
- Excellent knowledge of quantum mechanics.
- Basic knowledge of electrodynamics and atomic, molecular and optical physics.
- Strong interest in modeling and simulating light–matter interactions in molecules.
- Previous experience in attosecond physics and ultrafast spectroscopy will be an advantage.
- Experience with scientific programming languages such as C, C++, Python, etc. will be valued.
- Good written and spoken English.
Job Description / Research Project
The PhD project will investigate the coupled electron–nuclear dynamics of small and medium-sized molecules following interaction with short attosecond and few-femtosecond laser pulses.
The research will cover frequencies ranging from the UV-Vis to the X-ray regime. Key activities will include:
- Developing and exploring novel pump–probe schemes for initiating and monitoring ultrafast molecular dynamics.
- Modeling nonadiabatic molecular dynamics induced by ultrashort laser pulses.
- Simulating associated time-resolved spectroscopic signals.
- Interpreting current experimental results through advanced theoretical and computational methods.
- Developing and applying ab-initio theoretical approaches for molecular dynamics.
The research group has extensive expertise in theoretical methods for ultrafast molecular dynamics and time-resolved spectroscopy.
Position Details
- Duration: Up to 4 years
- Expected start: Between November 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027
- Funding: FPI predoctoral fellowship funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation
- Salary: According to the standard salary scale for FPI predoctoral fellowships in Spain
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application by email to:
- Stefano M. Cavaletto: stefano.cavaletto@uam.es
- Fernando Martín: fernando.martin@uam.es
The application should include:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Contact information for two references
- Copies of BSc and MSc degree certificates
- Academic records/transcripts
Additional supporting documents and reference letters may be requested during the selection process. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
Last Date for Apply
Untip position filled
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the supervisors as soon as possible, as the position has a defined recruitment period and the starting date is between November 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027.
Contact: stefano.cavaletto@uam.es | fernando.martin@uam.es
