Are you interested in working within quantum matter theory, 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 Ph.D. position in Quantum Matter Theory at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University.The research and education at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University extends from the innermost building blocks of matter, through consideration of molecules and materials, to the structure and development of stars and the universe. The research activities are distributed over 14 research programs, performing world-class research in both theoretical and experimental physics. The department is in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, around 100 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students to around 2 500 students per year, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities. More information can be found on .Duties/Project descriptionWe are looking for a motivated, curious, and ambitious Ph.D. student in quantum condensed matter theory for a project on superconductivity in graphene and related materials. Superconductivity is a uniquely quantum mechanical phenomenon that despite decades of intense research is still hard to control. It is heavily dependent on the density of states (DOS) around zero energy, but this DOS tunability has so far remained largely untapped. The overall aim of the Ph.D. project is to theoretically explore and engineer enhanced superconductivity in graphene and related materials using spatial nanoscale inhomogeneities to enhance the DOS. Examples include twisted multilayer graphene, where a moiré pattern creates flat bands hosting large zero-energy DOS peaks that have recently been shown to generate superconductivity, and rhombohedral stacking of few layer graphene, also known to become superconducting, as well as using disorder. The project involves both extensive numerical simulations and analytical work. The research will be performed both independently and in smaller groups. Additional responsibilities include writing of scientific manuscripts, presentation of research findings at internal meetings and international conferences, and active participation in collaborative discussions within the research group and program.The Quantum Matter Theory research program is one of two programs within the Materials Theory division which offers a world-class environment for materials theory and quantum matter theory research, with interests spanning from strongly correlated and topological states of matter to atomistic spin simulations and first-principles calculations of a broad range of novel and functional materials. The division currently consists of approximately 90 researchers, of which about a third are Ph.D. students. The project will be carried out in the research group of Annica Black-Schaffer, currently consisting of six Ph.D. students and seven postdoctoral researchers with a diverse set of backgrounds. The research in the group spans and combines several contemporary areas in modern physics, such as unconventional superconductivity, topological matter, and strongly correlated electron systems. Much of our current focus is on mechanisms and properties of unconventional, topological, or inhomogeneous superconductivity. For more information, visit the group webpage: .Requirements To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must
- hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in physics, or equivalent, with a strong background in condensed matter theory or many-body theory.
- 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.
Fluency in both spoken and written English is an absolute prerequisite.Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, and how the applicant, through their experience and skills, can be considered to have the capability to succeed with Ph.D. studies.Additional qualificationsGood programming skills are advantageous.Application: The application should include a personal letter, explaining scientific interests and motivation for pursuing a Ph.D. degree, CV, and a verified list of course grades. If available, a Master’s thesis (finished or in draft form) can also be included, if in English. In addition, two letters of recommendation should be sent directly by the letter writer to annica.black-schaffer@physics.uu.se with the subject line “Letter of Recommendation, Ph.D. Position 2025”.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 November or as agreed. Placement: UppsalaFor further information about the position, please contactAnnica Black-Schaffer,Ph: +46-(0)76-795 06 49,email: annica.black-schaffer@physics.uu.sePlease submit your application by 26 September 2025, UFV-PA 2025/2558.Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University?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 2025/2558 | Publicerat: 2025-08-28 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2025-09-26
