Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Physics and Astronomy programme. The position is available from February 2026 or later.
Title:
Controlling symmetry breaking in quantum materials with ultrafast correlated disorder
Research area and project description:
Quantum materials exhibit extraordinary behaviors—such as superconductivity and topological phases—that challenge our understanding of physics and have potential applications in quantum computing, energy transport, and sensing.
These properties arise from delicate interactions between electrons, spins, and lattice degrees of freedom, which are poorly understood. Small changes in one parameter can often lead to large changes in the macroscopic material properties.
We can exploit this sensitivity to control material properties with light, enabling switching between quantum states on ultrafast, femtosecond, timescales and sometimes achieving states that cannot be accessed by simply changing the material’s temperature. One of the most exciting nonthermal states to emerge is transient superconductivity—though the mechanisms driving this process remain unclear.
Our recent work suggests that when light pulses interact with quantum material, they generate non-equilibrium correlated disorder: short-range fluctuations in the material’s structure. We believe that these fluctuations may drive changes in the electronic structure that enable quantum phenomena to emerge.
In this experimental PhD project, you will combine state-of-the-art nonlinear optical probes to measure hidden quantum phases in materials, with X-ray free-electron lasers to study how light alters the properties of light-induced superconductivity. Our aim is to understand how quantum phases emerge on ultrafast timescales and how we can best control these phenomena.
This project will involve international travel to facilities in the USA, Germany, Switzerland, South Korea, and Japan.
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When - as here - you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree or at least one year of a Master’s degree in physics.
A strong background in one or more of the following topics will be highly advantageous and should be highlight in the application:
- Ultrafast Lasers
- X-ray diffraction methods
- Solid state physics / quantum materials
- Programming (python)/ analysis skills for large data sets
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ny Munkegade 120, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Dr Simon E. Wall simon.wall@phys.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 June 2025)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
