Two or more PhD positions in theoretical physics

Are you interested in working with scattering amplitudes in quantum field theory and string theory or integrable gauge theories at finite temperature, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a PhD student i theoretical physics position at Uppsala University.

The PhD positions are within the Division of Theoretical Physics, one of the 10 divisions within the Department of Physics and Astronomy of Uppsala University. Our division offers a world-class environment for research in quantum field theory, gravity, string theory and related areas of mathematical physics. The division currently consists of approximately 40 researchers. The positions belong to projects funded by the European Research Council with a focus on scattering amplitudes or integrable gauge theories. More information can be found at the group’s website:

https://www.uu.se/en/department/physics-and-astronomy/research/theoretical-physics

The employment as PhD student lasts four years according to central agreement, and the starting date is September 1st 2026, or upon agreement.

Duties
The division plans to recruit two or more ambitious PhD students in theoretical physics. The main activity will be research on integrable gauge theories at finite temperature, or on mathematical aspects of scattering amplitudes in quantum field theory and string theory. Other duties at the department related to teaching and administration will be included in the positions (maximum 20%).

Further information regarding the research education at Uppsala University can be found at the home page of the department http://www.physics.uu.se.

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

• - hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in physics or mathematics. 
• - 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 application must include a statement (not exceeding one page) that summarizes the applicant's merits, academic experiences, and research interests. In particular, we would appreciate if the applicant indicates their preference for research in one of the following two directions:

1. a) integrable gauge theories at finite temperature,
2. b) mathematical structures of scattering amplitudes, with emphasis on string theory & Feynman integrals.

The application must also include a CV, copies of university grades, completed theses or manuscripts and other relevant publications.

Additional qualifications
We plan to recruit a conscientious person with a strong academic background who works well in a research group. Special weight will be given to any prior research experience in the fields of quantum field theory, string theory, particle physics, number theory or algebraic geometry.

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

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

For further information about the position, please contact: 

Joseph Minahan, joseph.minahan@physics.uu.se
Oliver Schlotterer, oliver.schlotterer@physics.uu.se

Please submit your application by 27 February 2026, UFV-PA 2026/240.

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