Doctoral student in Experimental Physics

The Department of Physics (https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-fysik/) at Umeå University conducts strong research in, among other areas, condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics, ultrafast spectroscopy, theoretical physics and computational physics. We are advertising a doctoral position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK for the doctoral project “Spatiotemporal information processing”.
The application deadline is 31 October 2026.
The earliest start date is February 2027, or as agreed.
Project description
The project aims to develop concepts for ultrafast optical logic and optical memories using spatiotemporal metamaterials. The doctoral student will design metamaterial structures coupled to quantum emitters for ultrafast information processing and investigate how structured ultrashort light pulses can be used to control optical and magnetic properties on femtosecond timescales.
The research will focus on developing protocols with a time resolution below 10 fs for all-optical logic operations, data processing and spatiotemporal magnetic memories. The work combines nanophotonics, metamaterials, quantum emitters, ultrafast optics and light–matter interactions, with the aim of creating new approaches to information processing beyond conventional electronic solutions.
The doctoral position is funded through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK. The network offers a structured international training environment with research-specific and general skills-development courses, workshops, conferences and network-wide activities. The project includes a three-month industrial placement at NKT Photonics in Denmark focusing on vectorial ultrashort pulses, and a six-month research placement at Imperial College London in the UK focusing on nanofabrication and characterisation.
The doctoral project will be carried out at Umeå University under the supervision of Associate Professor Nicolò Maccaferri. The doctoral student will also receive support through co-supervision and mentoring from Professor Riccardo Sapienza at Imperial College London, as well as from an industrial mentor at NKT Photonics. The position offers the opportunity to work in a stimulating, interdisciplinary and international research environment as part of a prestigious European doctoral network.
Qualifications
Those who have completed a second-cycle qualification, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 are at second-cycle level, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad, meet the general entry requirements. To meet the specific entry requirements for admission to third-cycle studies in experimental physics, applicants must have passed courses in physics totalling at least 120 higher education credits.
Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent in physics, applied physics, optics/photonics, materials science, nanoscience, electrical engineering or a related field. Applicants must be fluent in both spoken and written English.
A documented background in photonics, nanophotonics, ultrafast optics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics, metamaterials, magnetism or related experimental and theoretical methods is an advantage.
We are looking for someone who wants to work in an intercultural and international environment and has a strong ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Applicants must meet the MSCA eligibility and mobility requirements. This means they must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment and must not have lived or carried out their main activity (for example, work or studies) in Sweden for more than 12 months during the 36 months preceding recruitment.
Terms of employment
The position is intended to lead to a doctoral degree, and the doctoral student’s main duties are to undertake doctoral studies, including participation in the research project described above and relevant doctoral courses. Teaching and other departmental duties of no more than 20% may be included in the position.
The salary follows the established salary scale for doctoral students at Umeå University. The position is funded for 36 months through the MSCA doctoral network SPARK, with a salary corresponding to at least the MSCA rate (approximately 33 100 SEK gross per month), with the possibility of an MSCA allowance for mobility and family. Other funding is available for the remaining period of employment. The terms of employment and other benefits are in accordance with applicable regulations.
The position comprises four years of full-time study, or up to five years if teaching or other departmental duties are included. Employment begins in February 2027 or as agreed.
Application
The application should include:
A cover letter summarising research interests and motivation (max. 1 page).
CV
Certified copies of degree certificates with an English or Swedish translation
A list of university courses with grades. Please note that international applicants should briefly explain the grading system.
A copy of the degree project and publications (if applicable).
Names and contact details for at least one referee. Apply through our Varbi e-recruitment system.

The application deadline is 31 October 2026. Log in and submit your application using the button at the bottom of the page. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format and written in English (preferably) or Swedish.
Further information
For further information, contact the project’s Principal Supervisor, Senior Lecturer Nicolò Maccaferri. nicolo.maccaferri@umu.se
We look forward to receiving your application!
Umeå University aims to offer an equal and equitable environment where open conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives provide the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We therefore welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
To staffing and recruitment agencies and salespeople: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment agencies and sellers of additional job advertisements.