Postdoc Position At The Center For Polariton-Driven Light-Matter Interactions (Polima)

The Center for Polariton-driven Light-Matter Interactions (POLIMA) at The Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, is seeking a talented and highly motivated Postdoctoral researcher to work on the development of the experimental capabilities of the Quantum Optoelectronics group. The position is funded by a Novo Nordisk Foundation international RECRUIT grant awarded to Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track) Nicolas Ubrig and will be part of the Quantum Optoelectronics group.

The position is available starting 1. January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The successful candidate will join the Quantum Optoelectronics group @POLIMA where they will take the lead in establishing a new cryogenic magneto-optical setup. This setup will be dedicated to exploring the optoelectronic properties of low-dimensional semiconducting and magnetic materials. In addition, the candidate will play a key role in developing innovative nanofabrication methods, working closely with the institute’s state-of-the-art cleanroom facility.

We are welcoming highly motivated candidates with a strong background in condensed-matter physics, optics, and/or nanofabrication. The ideal candidate will be eager to contribute to an ambitious and cutting-edge research program in experimental quantum optics and thrive in a dynamic, young research group. This position is supported by the POLIMA Center and its extensive network of international collaborators, offering a stimulating environment for groundbreaking research.

If you possess expertise or interest in any of the following areas, we encourage you to apply:

• Condensed matter physics and quantum materials
• Quantum optics and experimental optical spectroscopy
• Quantum transport and device operation
• Physics of two-dimensional materials (with a focus on semiconductors and magnetic materials as a plus)
• Fabrication of van der Waals heterostructures
• Nanofabrication and cleanroom experience

POLIMA is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) for an initial period of 6 years (2023–2028). The center is led by Professor N. Asger Mortensen and currently consists of seven research groups led by the individual PIs in close synergy. The Center hosts in total approximately 20 PhD students, postdocs, and visiting scientists. Several POLIMA researchers have attracted prestigious personal grants, e.g., Villum Investigator, Villum Young Investigator, DFF Sapere Aude, and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowships. Read more on POLIMA’s website .

We offer a competitive and highly collaborative research environment with close interaction between experimental and theoretical activities. You will join a thriving community of researchers and benefit from a strong network of international collaborators. Our work environment is supportive, dynamic, and designed to foster creativity and the development of innovative projects.

In particular, we have to offer:

• A researcher position in an ambitious, supportive, and international research environment.

• A dedicated supervisor research team to support the academic development of the researcher.

• Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure.

• A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g., health coverage, parental leave, social security, etc.) ( https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/international-staff/getting-settled )

POLIMA is located at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense – 1h15min by train from Copenhagen Airport. The University of Southern Denmark offers dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects (housing, visa, administration, tax, etc.), especially for international candidates through our international staff office (ISO) and the administrative staff at POLIMA.

For further information and details about the position, application, and the research center, please contact Assistant Professor Nicolas Ubrig ( ubrig@mci.sdu.dk ).

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.

Application procedure

Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply .

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and an application must include:

• Motivated application.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (copy of original/official English translation).
• Complete list of publications.
• Publications most relevant to the position.
• A research statement may be included.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

UPLOAD GUIDE:

Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file).

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected.

The application deadline is 19 June 2026 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST)

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.

Read about the Assessment and selection process .

Conditions of enrollment/employment

Appointment as postdoc is temporary for an initial 2-year period, and the preferred start date is 1 January 2027.

Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described herein. Further information on salary and taxation. The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial evaluation, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes our staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, are subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.