PhD scholarship in First-principles Theory of Exciton Interactions and Dynamics in 2D Moiré Systems DTU Physics

The section for Computational Atomic-scale Materials Design (CAMD) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated candidate for a PhD position within the area of ab initio many-body theory with applications to excitons in complex 2D van der Waals materials.

The position is funded via a EuroTech Alliance Stipend and involves collaborations with the experimental group of Andras Kis at EPFL.

Responsibilities
The successful candidate will develop and apply ab initio computational methods rooted in many-body (perturbation) theory to explore exciton dynamics exciton transport and exciton-exciton interactions in semiconductors with a specific focus on atomically thin 2D van der Waals materials (moiré and heterostructures). Depending on the interests of the candidate they may also be involved in our ongoing developments of a digital data infrastructure for 2D materials (see ) which would involve high-throughput electronic structure computations using the Python-based Taskblaster workflow framework.

CAMDoffers an international and scientifically stimulating working environment at the Department of Physics DTU located in the northern Copenhagen area. The group develops the GPAW electronic structure code the ASE Python library and the TaskBlaster workflow framework. Substantial computational resources are available for the project through the DTU-supercomputer facility Niflheim.

Qualifications
You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degree.

The successful candidate will have obtained excellent grades in his/her Bachelor and Master educations.A solid background in quantum mechanics and solid state physics is required. Moreover knowledge of programming (in particular Python) is preferred. Furthermore the candidate should be highly motivated and willing to work in ateam.

Good communication skills in both spoken and written English are a requirement.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme please see DTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Kristian S. Thygesen.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research education innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 work must be carried out at DTU. The position is available from 1 February 2026.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained fromProfessor Kristian S. Thygesen ().

You can read more about CAMD at If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation to Denmark and startup Zoom seminar for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 16 January 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply please open the link Apply now fill out the online application form and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age gender disability race religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology which is subject to special rules for security and export control open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Physicscarriesout research in modern physics especially in four main areas: sustainable energy materials quantum technology and biophysics. Our focus is both to acquire greater knowledge about basic scientific problems and to conduct research oriented towards use in societies and companies.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13500 students and 6000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive evolving and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.