Vacant job

Do you want to work with high-quality topics within condensed matter physics and materials science, supported by competent and pleasant colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employee engagement and offers secure, advantageous working conditions? Welcome to apply for a PhD position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is one of Uppsala University's largest units with nearly 400 employees, including approximately 100 PhD students. The department conducts world-class research and education in both theoretical and experimental physics and has extensive collaboration with the outside world. The research is carried out at nine research divisions and covers everything from the incredibly small to the large scale in areas such as energy supply, climate development, new materials, and the universe. This entire spectrum is also reflected in the department's courses and educational programs. Around 2,500 students take courses at undergraduate and advanced levels at the department each year. Read more at https://uu.se/fysik (https://uu.se/fysik).

The PhD student will perform theoretical investigations and simulations of two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials and their heterostructures. Currently, there is a strong focus in the group on studies of electronic structure, magnetism, spin transport, and X-ray spectroscopic studies of complex magnetic materials. New theoretical models will be developed and implemented within the project, which also involves close collaboration with experiments.

Respons

The research will focus on the application of density functional theory (DFT) to study magnetic properties of two-dimensional materials, so-called 2D magnets, and heterostructures created by different types of 2D magnets including altermagnets. The PhD student will perform calculations of various types of magnetic exchange interaction parameters to be used in Monte Carlo simulations and atomistic spin dynamics. Effects lying outside single-electron physics, where so-called pronounced electron correlation effects are important, will be studied using dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT). One of the main tasks will be calculating spectra for X-ray absorption and magnetic circular dichroism for these materials. This is planned to be done using DMFT and similar many-body methods. An further development of existing methods will be performed to enable calculations of resonant inelastic spectra. The spectroscopic methods will be used to compare with available experimental results, taken at e.g., MAX IV. Finally, high-capacity calculations using a home-built Python-based platform will be performed to find new 2D magnets and also use data to develop machine learning models to predict exchange interactions and magnetic transition temperatures.

Qualifications

Eligible for graduate studies is someone who has

• completed a master's degree in physics or materials science, or
• completed at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits, or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

The potential applicant is expected to have a strong interest in modern theoretical physics and be highly motivated. Good knowledge of theoretical physics, quantum mechanics, and solid-state physics is crucial.

Good communication skills in both spoken and written English are required.

Desirable/meritorious qualifications

Excellent grades are considered meritorious, as is previous experience in simulating material properties using ab initio or tight-binding methods and experience in code development. Previous experience with machine learning methods is considered meritorious.

About the position

The appointment is fixed-term, according to HF Chapter 5, Section 7. The extent is full-time. Start date 1 September 2026 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.

Regulations for PhD students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 Sections 1-7 as well as in the university's rules and guidelines.

Information about the position is provided by: Assoc. Prof. Biplab Sanyal, Department of Physics and Astronomy, email: [email protected], tel +46 (0)18-4713624 or Prof. Olle Eriksson, Department of Physics and Astronomy, email: [email protected], tel +46 (0)18-4713625.

About the application

In this recruitment, we have replaced the cover letter with questions that you answer in connection with your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process.

In addition to your attached CV, we also ask that you send your master's thesis with the application.

Welcome to submit your application no later than June 30, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/1538.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. 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 engagement, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University: https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The position may be subject to a security clearance. In the event of a security clearance, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved.

We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Trade union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected]