POLIMA at the Mads Clausen Institute at the University of Southern Denmark seeks a talented candidate to fill a Ph D student position within the three main research areas of the Center for Polariton-driven Light-Matter Interactions {POLIMA): 2D polaritons as probes of solid-state matter (e.g. quantum plasmonics), polaritons for chiral or quantum light sources, and nonlinear polaritonics. The position could concern both theoretical and experimental activities.
The position is available from 1 January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The application deadline is 15 November 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST).


The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research on one or more of the above-mentioned topics, under the supervision of one of the center’s key-investigators, Profs. N. Asger Mortensen, Joel D. Cox, and Christos Tserkezis.
Applicants for the Ph D position should have a bachelor’s degree in natural or technical sciences and should have completed (or provide proof of imminent completion) a relevant master’s degree. Prior research on the research topics of POLIMA is appreciated but not a prerequisite. The duration of the contract is three years, in accordance with national legislation. Demonstrated potential for excellent research.
POLIMA is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) for initially 6 years (2023-28). Professor N. Asger Mortensen is the head of POLIMA, which currently consists of two Associate Professors, a Lab Manager, a center administrator, and around 15-20 Ph D students, postdocs and visiting scientists. Several POLIMA researchers have attracted prestigious personal grants e.g. VILLLUM Investigator, Sapere Aude and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowships. Read more on POLIMAs website .
We offer:

• A Ph D position in an ambitious and supportive, international research environment
• A dedicated supervisor research team to support the academic development of the Ph D 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.) ( https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/international-staff/getting-settled )

POLIMA is located at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense – 1 hour 15 minutes by train from Copenhagen Airport. 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 about the positions and the research center, contact Associate Professor Joel Cox ( cox@mci.sdu.dk ) or Associate Professor Christos Tserkezis ( ct@mci.sdu.dk ).
If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk .
Conditions of employment
Appointment as a Ph D fellow is a 3-year salaried position.
The monthly gross salary incl. pension is 35.707DKR. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment of a Ph D fellow can only happen after the Ph D School has approved the candidate for admission.
Employment as a Ph D fellow governed by the Protocol on Ph D Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information about salary and conditions of employment.
The successful candidate will be enrolled at SDU in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the Ph D Programme at the Universities (Ph D order).
Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit Workin Denmark for additional information.
Assessment and selection process
Read about the Assessment and selection process .
Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the process.
Application procedure
Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective Ph D students , the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering.
Assessment of candidates is based on the application material. Please include the following documents in English:

• Motivated application. Prior contact with any of the key investigators is highly recommended and should be described in the motivation letter.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Certificates/Diplomas (bachelor’s and master’s degree) – incl. transcripts of grades in Danish and/or English.
• Completed TEK Ph D application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website .
• Completed TEK Ph D form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty 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: Please submit an official and verified 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 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

The application may also include:

• References, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website .
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications). with the candidate’s contribution described explicitly.
• All relevant certificates
  • Documents must not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’, Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’. All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’.

• Documents must not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
• The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB.

The application deadline is 15 November 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST)


The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.
Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.