Nicolò Maccaferri
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PhD position in Experimental Physics with a focus on photonics and materials science (fundamental aspects) Umeå University in Sweden
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Electrical Engineering
Funding
Funded for 36 months through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK, with a salary corresponding to at least the MSCA level (approximately 33,100 SEK gross per month), plus possible MSCA allowances for mobility and accompanying family members; funding for the remainder of the employment period is provided from other sources.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
Sweden
University
Umeå University
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About this position
This PhD project at Umeå University is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK and focuses on the fundamental physics of spatiotemporal hybrid light–matter states. The doctoral candidate will work on creating spatiotemporal polaritons through ultrafast light–matter interactions in engineered metamaterial systems, with the aim of controlling hybrid states on femtosecond timescales.
The research combines nanophotonics, metamaterials, ultrafast optics, condensed matter physics, and quantum optics. The project explores wide-bandgap semiconductors and high-quality excitonic or molecular emitters coupled to time-modulated gratings. The student will use ultrafast pump–push–probe experiments with sub-10 fs resolution alongside finite-element simulations and quantum models extending the Tavis–Cummings Hamiltonian to study and design new spatiotemporal metamaterial platforms.
The position is based in the Department of Physics, which has strong research activity in condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics, ultrafast spectroscopy, and theoretical and computational physics. The doctoral work is led by Associate Professor Nicolò Maccaferri, with co-supervision and mentoring from Associate Professor Paloma Arroyo Huidobro at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and an industrial mentor at Ultrafast Innovations GmbH. The project includes a research secondment in Spain and an industrial secondment in Germany, offering a multidisciplinary and international training environment.
The student will be part of a prestigious European doctoral network and contribute to coherent control of spatiotemporal polaritons and the development of new hybrid light–matter dynamics.
Funding details
Funded for 36 months through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK, with a salary corresponding to at least the MSCA level (approximately 33,100 SEK gross per month), plus possible MSCA allowances for mobility and accompanying family members; funding for the remainder of the employment period is provided from other sources.
What's required
Applicants must meet the general entry requirements for doctoral studies: a completed second-cycle degree, or at least 240 ECTS credits including 60 ECTS at advanced level. For admission to doctoral studies in experimental physics, at least 120 credits in physics are required. A Master’s degree, or equivalent, in physics, applied physics, optics/photonics, materials science, nanoscience, electrical engineering, or a closely related field is expected. English fluency, written and spoken, is mandatory. Experience or background in photonics, nanophotonics, ultrafast optics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics, exciton-polaritons, light–matter interaction, numerical simulations, or quantum modelling is meritorious. The applicant must not already hold a doctoral degree and must satisfy MSCA mobility rules, including not having resided or carried out the main activity in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.
How to apply
Apply through the Varbi e-recruitment system using the application button on the advert page. Upload all required documents as PDF files and submit them in English or Swedish. Include the cover letter, CV, degree certificates, transcripts, student theses/publications if any, and contact details for at least one reference person.
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Professors
Associate Professor at Umeå University
Sweden
Research Interests
Condensed Matter Physics
Nanophotonics
Light-matter Interaction
Materials Science
Electrical Engineering
Associate Professor at Umeå University
Sweden
Research Interests
Condensed Matter Physics
Materials Science
Metamaterial
Electrical Engineering
Nanophotonics
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.