PhD student in photophysics of 2D quantum materials
Admission to doctoral studies in the subject of engineering physics with a focus on condensed matter physics.
at the Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Department of Materials Science, Uppsala University
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About the department
The Department of Condensed Matter Physics is part of the Department of Materials Science at Ångström Laboratory. At the department, we work with both fundamental and applied research.
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Project description
The study and exploration of two-dimensional (2D) quantum materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), have received significant attention in recent decades for their use in optoelectronics. Despite this interest, the photophysical properties of these materials and the physics of defects in these materials, introduced via various exfoliation methods, are not well understood. The overall goal of this project is to deepen the fundamental understanding of the physics related to defects and provide new insights into the hotly debated topic of 2D material defect passivation, by utilizing for the first time advanced vibrational spectroscopies, time-resolved optical spectroscopy, and microscopy.
Tasks and responsibilities
Being a PhD student means independently driving projects within a specific doctoral subject. You will continuously collaborate with other PhD students and researchers to collectively create results within various projects and will have one or more supervisors for support during your doctoral studies. However, you will work largely independently, e.g., through work in a laboratory environment and writing articles for journals and results for your doctoral thesis. Typically, some form of mid-term seminar is included after approximately half of the training period.
When you are admitted to doctoral studies, you are offered employment as a PhD student. Employment as a PhD student at Uppsala University corresponds to full-time education at the doctoral level for four years.
Read more about the doctoral studies here
You will be responsible for conducting advanced spectroscopic investigations of 2D quantum materials, such as Raman, photoluminescence (PL), transient absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray based spectroscopies. You will design, perform, and analyze experiments aimed at understanding exciton dynamics and the mechanisms for defect passivation in 2D materials from different exfoliation methods.
Additional responsibilities include writing scientific manuscripts, presenting research results at internal meetings and international conferences, as well as actively participating in collaborative discussions within the research group.
Eligibility requirements
Provisions for doctoral students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) Chapter 5, Sections 1-7, as well as in the university's rules and guidelines.
Qualification requirements
Master's degree or civilingenjör degree in physics, chemistry, or a related field, alternatively other education judged to correspond to these qualifications.
- Completed relevant courses in condensed matter physics or physical chemistry.
- Good oral and written proficiency in English.
Other desirable/merit qualifications
- Basic knowledge and skills in 2D material characterization are meritorious.
- Experience with transient absorption spectroscopy is particularly meritorious.
- Likewise, experience in programming in MATLAB, Python, or similar for data analysis is highly meritorious.
Great importance is placed on personal qualities such as the ability to independently plan and perform work. You have a good ability to work towards set goals and you work focused to achieve them. In this, you have an ability to focus, even during periods of high workload. You are communicative, whereby through this quality you collaborate well with others. You also have a good ability to compose academic text. Furthermore, you need to be structured and able to work effectively both individually and in a group.
Your application should include:
- A short letter (max 2 pages) where you describe yourself, why you want to pursue a PhD, and why you specifically are suitable for this position.
- CV (max 2 pages)
- A certified copy of your master's degree/civilingenjör degree and your course grades.
- Copies (or drafts) of your thesis at an advanced level and other documents, such as publications, that you wish to invoke.
- Names and contact details of at least two contact persons who have accepted to be references for you, with any additional letters of recommendation. It should also be clear what relationship you have had with each referee.
Applications should be written in English. We will continuously read application documents and call for interviews.
About the employment
The employment is time-limited, according to HF Chapter 5, Section 7. The scope is full-time. Start date 2027-02-01 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala
Information about the employment is provided by:
Zhaojun Li, zhaojun.li@angstrom.uu.se
Please note that this is a shortened version of the advertisement. To see the full advertisement, please click "Apply here" or see Uppsala University's website for job advertisements.
Welcome with your application no later than 20 October 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2594
Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.
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The employment may be subject to security clearance. In the case of security clearance, it is a prerequisite for employment that the applicant is approved.
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Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.
Union representatives: Saco-S - saco-s@uu.se, Seko - seko@uadm.uu.se, ST (OFR/S) - ofr@uu.se