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 PhD 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 https://uu.se/physics
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 including altermagnets. The Ph.D. student will perform 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
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hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in physics or materials science or
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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
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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.
Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
Additional qualifications
Excellent exam marks are considered 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 with machine learning methods will be considered as an advantage.
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, 2026 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: [email protected], phone: +46 (0)18-4713624 or Prof. Olle Eriksson, Department of Physics & Astronomy, email: [email protected], phone: +46 (0)18-4713625.
About the application process
In this recruitment we have replaced the cover letter with questions that you are asked to answer when making your application. The answers will be used as a part of the selection process.
In addition to the attached CV, we kindly ask you to also submit your master’s thesis as part of your application.
Please submit your application by 30th June, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/1538.
Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.
Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala Universityhttps://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The position may be subject to security vetting. If security vetting is conducted, the applicant must pass the vetting process to be eligible for employment. Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services. Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.
Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 | Ort: Uppsala | Län: Uppsala län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: UFV-PA 2026/1538 | Publicerat: 2026-05-11 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-06-30
