PhD Position in the Photophysics of 2D Quantum Materials at Uppsala University

Job Description

Uppsala University’s Division of Solid State Physics is recruiting a doctoral student to study the photophysics and defects of two-dimensional quantum materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), using advanced vibrational spectroscopy and time-resolved optical spectroscopy and microscopy.

At a glance

• Position: Doctoral student, Engineering Sciences with specialisation in Solid State Physics
• Department: Materials Science and Engineering, Ångström Laboratory
• Contact: Zhaojun Li, zhaojun.li@angstrom.uu.se
• Start: 1 February 2027 or as agreed
• Reference: UFV-PA 2026/2594
• Apply: 20 October 2026

About the doctoral project

• Carry out advanced spectroscopy of 2D quantum materials, such as Raman, photoluminescence, transient absorption and X-ray-based spectroscopies
• Design, perform and analyse experiments on exciton dynamics in 2D materials made by different exfoliation methods, and on how defects are passivated
• Contribute new insights to the debated question of defect passivation in 2D materials
• Write manuscripts, present at meetings and international conferences, and take up to 20% teaching or departmental duties

Swedish doctoral positions are salaried jobs rather than scholarships: you are employed by the university, take doctoral courses, do research with a supervisor, and may teach up to a fifth of the time.

What Uppsala University is looking for

• General entry requirements for doctoral studies: a second-cycle degree, or at least 240 credits including 60 at second-cycle level with a 15-credit independent project, or equivalent knowledge
• A master’s degree in physics, chemistry or a related field, or equivalent
• Completed relevant courses in solid state physics or physical chemistry
• Good spoken and written English

Nice to have

• Basic knowledge and skills in characterising 2D materials
• Experience with transient absorption spectroscopy (particularly valued)
• Programming in MATLAB, Python or similar for data analysis (highly valued)

Pay and location

Doctoral students at Uppsala University are paid on a doctoral salary ladder under the local collective agreement, set by active years for the first three years and then by study progress; the posting gives no figure. The position is in Uppsala, Sweden.

How to apply

Apply through the official Uppsala University page. The closing date is 20 October 2026. Apply in English through Uppsala University’s recruitment system using the link on the official posting. Include a cover letter of at most two pages (who you are, why a PhD and why you suit this post), a CV of at most two pages, a certified copy of your master’s degree and grades, your master’s thesis (or draft) and any publications, and at least two referees with their contact details and your relationship to them. The university reads applications continuously and calls candidates for interview, so applying early is wise.

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