The Center for Polariton-driven Light-Matter Interactions (POLIMA) at The Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, is seeking a talented researcher to fill out a position as postdoctoral researcher for 2 years in the area of computational nanophotonics, with a focus on semi-analytical and numerical methods for treating electron-beam spectroscopies. We are looking for applicants who have obtained their PhD within the past 4 years, have a good publication record, and have proven their expertise on computational electrodynamics and the theory of light–matter interactions. The position is funded by POLIMA through its DNRF funding, and the successful candidate will work under the immediate supervision of Professor Christos Tserkezis but is expected to also contribute to other research activities within POLIMA.
The position is available starting 1 January 2026.
The successful candidate will work on developing semi-analytical and numerical techniques to simulate electron-beam spectroscopy experiments (electron-energy loss spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence). The project will focus on the description of layered systems combined with individual photonic scatterers or periodic arrays thereof, with the intention to study the formation of exciton polaritons in two-dimensional materials interacting with optical nanocavities.
We welcome candidates with a strong background in computational electrodynamics as applied to examples from nanophotonics, who are highly motivated and eager to engage in world-class research in theoretical polaritonics. 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 three 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 postdoc position in an ambitious and supportive, international research environment.
- A dedicated supervisor research team to support the academic development of the postdoc.
- 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)
Workplace description
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.
For further information and details about the position, application, and the research center, please contact Professor Christos Tserkezis ([email protected]).
Further information
If you experience technical problems, please contact [email protected].
Application procedure
Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply.
Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and an application must include:
- Motivated application.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (copy of original/official English translation).
- Complete list of publications.
- Publications most relevant to the position.
- Summary and documentation of experience in teaching, if relevant to the position.
- A research statement may be included.
- References/reference letters may also be included.
- 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 2025 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 employment
Appointment as postdoc is temporary for an initial 2-year period, and the preferred start date is from 01.01.2026.
Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. 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 protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described herein. Further information on salary and taxation. 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”.
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
