The Center for Polariton-driven Light-Matter Interactions (POLIMA) at The Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, is seeking two talented and highly motivated PhD students to work on theory of polaritons and light–matter interactions, and in particular topics related to Mie-resonant photonics, electron-beam spectroscopies, chiral polaritons, nonlinear optics, quantum nanophotonics, and mesoscopic physics, possibly combinations of the above. The positions are funded by POLIMA DNRF funding, and the students will be supervised by Professor Christos Tserkezis and Professor Joel D. Cox.
The position is available starting 1 December 2025.
The successful candidates will work on developing new theoretical models and computational methods to investigate the emergence and properties of polaritons in state-of-the-art nanophotonic systems including two-dimensional materials, high-index dielectrics, topological insulators, organic molecules, noble metals, and their combinations. Emphasis will be placed on curiosity-driven explorations of unconventional light–matter interactions in those systems, and their understanding in the framework of classical and quantum optics, in combination with solid-state physics.
We welcome candidates with a strong background in condensed-matter physics, quantum optics, nanoscale light-matter interactions, or related areas, who are highly motivated and eager to engage in world-class research in theoretical nanophotonics. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about contributing to cutting-edge research in a dynamic and ambitious young research group, supported by the POLIMA Center and its extensive network of international collaborators.
POLIMA is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) for an initial period of 6 years (2023–2028), with the possibility of a 4-year extension. The center is led by Professor N. Asger Mortensen and currently consists of two Professors, two Assistant Professors, a Lab Manager, a Center Administrator, an Administrative Supporter and approximately 10-15 PhD students, postdocs, and visiting scientists. Several POLIMA researchers have attracted prestigious personal grants, e.g., Villum Investigator, Villum Young Investigator, DFF Sapere Aude, and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowships. Read more on POLIMA’s website.
We offer a competitive and highly collaborative research environment with close interaction between experimental and theoretical activities. You will join a thriving community of researchers and benefit from a strong network of international collaborators. Our work environment is supportive, dynamic, and designed to foster creativity and the development of innovative projects.
What we offer
- A PhD student position in an ambitious and supportive, international research environment.
- A dedicated supervisor research team to support the academic development of the PhD student.
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure.
- A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g., health coverage, parental leave, social security, etc.) (https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/international-staff/getting-settled)
POLIMA is located at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense – 1h15min by train from Copenhagen Airport. The University of Southern Denmark offers dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects (housing, visa, administration, tax, etc.), especially for international candidates through our international staff office (ISO) and the administrative staff at POLIMA.
Further information
For further information and details about the positions, application, and the research center, please contact Professor Joel D. Cox ([email protected]) or Professor Christos Tserkezis ([email protected]).
If you experience technical problems, please contact [email protected].
Application procedure
Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.
Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and an application must include:
- Motivated application letter.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Master’s and bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (copy of original/official English translation).
- Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
- Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website.
- An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish).
- Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: An official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.
- List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).
- References may be included—candidates are welcome to use the reference letter form available on the Faculty website.
- A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.
UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file).
All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected.
The application deadline is 29 September at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST)
Assessment and selection process
Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.
Read about the Assessment and selection process.
Conditions of enrollment/employment
Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 36.138 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.
The preferred start date is from 1 January 2026
Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment is contingent on enrollment approved by the PhD School. Enrollment will be in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described herein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). Further information about salary and conditions of employment. The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial evaluation, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.
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The University of Southern Denmark wishes our staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, are subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position.
Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.
Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.Read about SDU
