PhD position at the Center for Polariton-driven Light-Matter Interactions (POLIMA)

The Center for Polariton-driven Light-Matter Interactions (POLIMA) at The Mads Clausen Institute University of Southern Denmark is seeking a talented and highly motivated PhD student to work on experimental studies of polaritons and lightmatter interactions and in particular topics related to cathodoluminescence spectroscopy of Mie-exciton and plexciton polaritons quantum nanophotonics and mesoscopic physics. The position is co-funded by the POLIMA DNRF funding and DFF and the student will be supervised by Professor Christos Tserkezis and POLIMA lab manager Dr. Sergii Morozov.

The position is available starting May 1 2026.

The successful candidate will work on assembling and developing experimental templates for the observation of strong lightmatter coupling in cathodoluminescence spectroscopy 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 lightmatter interactions in those systems and their understanding in the framework of classical and quantum optics in combination with solid-state physics. The candidate will collaborate with a strong theory team within POLIMA to enable a complete description and practical realization of strong coupling in electronlightmatter systems.

We welcome candidates with a strong background in condensed-matter physics nanoscale light-matter interactions electron-beam spectroscopy or related areas who are highly motivated and eager to engage in world-class research in 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 () with the possibility of a 4-year extension. The center is led by Professor N. Asger Mortensen and currently consists of two Professors three Assistant Professors a Lab Manager two administrators and approximately 1015 PhD students postdocs and visiting scientists. Several POLIMA researchers have attracted prestigious grants e.g. Villum and Novo Nordisk grants DFF projects and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowships. Read more onPOLIMAs 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.) ( 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.

  Further information

  For further information and details about the positions application and the research center please contact Professor Christos Tserkezis ().

  If you experience technical problems please

  Application procedure

  Before applying the candidates are advised to read theFaculty information for prospective PhD studentsand 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.
  • Masters and bachelors degree certificates or equivalent including transcripts of grades (copy of original/official English translation).
  • Completed TEK PhD application form for 53 applicants. Find the form at theFaculty website.
  • Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at theFaculty 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 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 includedcandidates are welcome to use the reference letter form available on theFaculty website.
  • A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

  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.

  SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded under Cover letter (max. 5 MB) Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded under Resume (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded under Miscellaneous documents (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file).

  The application deadline is March 15 2026at 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 and tests may be part of the overall about theAssessment 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 36.608 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience you may be placed on a higher salary step.

  The preferred start date is 1 May 2026.

  Applicants must hold a masters degree (equivalent to a Danish masters degree) at the time of enrollment and is contingent on enrollment approved by the PhD will be in accordance withFaculty 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 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 informationfor international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visitWorkinDenmarkfor additional information.

  Further informationabout The Faculty of Engineering.