Doctoral (Phd) position in Solid State Physics with focus on photophysics in 2D quantum materials) Full-time

Doctoral (PhD) Position in Solid State Physics with Focus on Photophysics in 2D Quantum Materials

Admission to Doctoral (PhD) Studies in the subject Engineering Sciences with specialization in 2D Quantum Material at the Division of Solid State Physics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University.

Join us! The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research in a broad technology-related area, from basic research to large-scale applied research, and close contacts with students through the department's involvement in engineering and master's programs. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focuses, as well as a division that provides support and service. The department is an international place to work, and has around 230 active co-workers.

The Division of Solid State Physics is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ångström Laboratory. At the division, we do both basic and application-oriented research that is related to energy and environmental aspects as well as life science via our different research areas. Most commonly, we investigate physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials and compounds, whether they will be used as coatings for smart windows, for gas sensors, photocatalytic coatings, and spintronics, or for biomagnetic applications or to create new magnetic materials for environmentally friendly energy technologies.

Project description: The study and exploration of two-dimensional (2D) quantum materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), has gained significant attention over the past few decades for their use in optoelectronics. Despite this interest, the photophysical properties of these materials and the physics of defects within these materials, introduced via different exfoliation methods, are not well understood. The overall goal of this project is to deepen the fundamental understanding of defect physics and provide fresh insights into the hotly debated topic of 2D material defect passivation, leveraging advanced vibration spectroscopies, time-resolved optical spectroscopy and microscopy for the first time.

Duties: The main duty for a doctoral student is to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and PhD courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Being a PhD student means independently running projects within a specific subject. You collaborate on an ongoing basis with other doctoral students and researchers to create results within various projects and have one or more supervisors for support during your doctoral studies. However, you work independently to a great amount, e.g. by working in a laboratory environment and writing articles for journals and for results for your doctoral thesis. Usually, some form of half-time seminar is included after about half of the doctoral studies.

When you are admitted to doctoral studies, you are offered employment as a doctoral student. A position as a doctoral student at Uppsala University corresponds to full-time PhD education for four years.

You are responsible for conducting advanced spectroscopic investigations of 2D quantum materials, such as Raman, photoluminescence (PL), transient absorption spectroscopies, and X-ray-based spectroscopies. You design, perform, and analyze experiments aimed at understanding the exciton dynamics of 2D materials via different exfoliation methods and the mechanisms of defect passivation.

You also carry out transient absorption microscopy and transient fluorescence microscopy during a three- to six-month research visit to the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in Korea. This means that travel in a conscious way is included in the project. Additional travel to conferences inside and outside Sweden, might be included.

Additional responsibilities include the writing of scientific articles, presentation of research findings at internal meetings and international conferences, and active participation in collaborative discussions within the research group.

Requirements: Master's degree in physics, chemistry, or a related field, or other education considered equivalent to these qualifications. Documented experience and knowledge in Solid State Physics. Basic knowledge and skills in 2D material characterization are required. We require good oral and written skills in English.

• Documented experience and knowledge in Solid State Physics.
• Basic knowledge and skills in 2D material characterization are required.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

Additional qualifications: Experience with transient absorption spectroscopy is particularly meritorious. Likewise, experience with programming in MATLAB, Python, or similar for data analysis is highly valued.

Great emphasis is put on personal qualities such as the ability to independently plan and carry out work. You have a good ability to work towards set goals and you work focused and structured to achieve them. In this, you have an ability to focus, even during periods of high workload. You have good communication skills, where through this quality you cooperate well with others. You also have a good ability to write academic text.

Your application must include: A short cover letter (max 2 pages) in which you describe yourself, why you want to do a PhD and why you are suitable for this position. CV (max 2 pages) A certified copy of your master's degree and your course grades. Copies (or drafts) of your master's thesis and other documents, such as publications, that you wish to refer to. Names and contact details of at least two contact persons who have agreed to be references for you, with any additional letters of recommendation. It must also be stated what relationship you have had with the respective referent.

The application should be written in English. We will continuously read applications and call for interviews.

About the employment: The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7 Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2026-09-01 or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: (Zhaojun Li, zhaojun.li@angstrom.uu.se).

Please submit your application by 12 February 2026, UFV-PA 2 025/3960.