PhD student in condensed matter theory

Are you interested in working with top notch topics in condensed matter physics and materials science, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers safe, favorable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a Ph.D. position at Uppsala University.

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over nine divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 100 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities. Read more on www.physics.uu.se.

The PhD student will perform theoretical investigations and simulations of two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials and their heterostructures. Currently there is a strong focus on studies of electronic structure, magnetism, spin transport and x-ray spectroscopic studies of complex magnetic materials in the group. New theoretical models are being developed and implemented.

Duties
The research will focus on the application of density functional theory (DFT) to study the magnetic properties of two-dimensional materials, so-called 2D magnets and heterostructures created from different types of 2D magnets. This will include calculations of different types of magnetic exchange interaction parameters to be used in Monte Carlo simulations and atomistic spin dynamics. Effects that lie outside of one-electron physics, where so-called pronounced electron correlation effects are important, will be studied using dynamical mean field theory (DMFT). One of the main tasks will be calculations of X-ray absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectra for these materials. This is planned to be done using DMFT and similar many body methods. A further development of existing methods will be carried out towards enabling calculations of resonant, inelastic spectra. The spectroscopic methods will be used to compare with available experimental results, taken at e.g. MAX IV. Finally, high-throughput calculations using a home-built python-based platform will be done to find new 2D magnets and also use the data to develop machine learning models to predict exchange interactions and magnetic transition temperatures.

Requirements
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in physics or materials science or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

The prospective applicant is expected to have a strong interest in modern theoretical physics and to be strongly motivated. A good knowledge of theoretical physics, quantum mechanics and solid state physics is essential.

Additional qualifications
Excellent exam marks are considered as an asset, as well as previous experience with simulations of materials properties using ab initio or tight-binding methods and experience with code development. Previous experience on machine learning methods will be considered as an advantage. Good communication skills in both oral and written English are desirable.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1st of October or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

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

For further information about the position, please contact: Assoc. Prof. Biplab Sanyal, Department of Physics & Astronomy, email: Biplab.Sanyal@physics.uu.se, phone: +46 (0)18-4713624 or Prof. Olle Eriksson, Department of Physics & Astronomy, email: Olle.Eriksson@physics.uu.se, phone: +46 (0)18-4713625.

Please submit your application by 16 September, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/2169.