PhD Stipend in Experimental Quantum Materials Physics

Aalborg University; Aalborg; On-site; DKK 320,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalborg University invites applications for a full-time, fixed-term PhD stipend in experimental physics within the Physics Group of the Department of Materials and Production. The three-year PhD starts 1 January 2027 or soon after, in an international research collaboration funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark.

You will prepare and investigate molecular complexes on crystalline surfaces, using electrospray deposition under ultra-high-vacuum and study their properties with low-temperature

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in physics, nanoscience or closely related field.
• Strong experimental background in physics, surface science or nanoscience.
• Experience with STM/STS, UHV, cryogenics, surface science and electrospray deposition.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and investigate molecular complexes on crystalline surfaces.
• Deposit molecular complexes by electrospray under UHV conditions.
• Study structural and electronic properties with STM/STS at low temperatures.
• Plan, conduct, document and discuss experiments; communicate findings within an international team.

Skills

Experimental physics

Surface science

Nanoscience

Education

Master's degree in physics or closely related field

Tools

Scanning tunnelling microscopy

Scanning tunnelling spectroscopy

Ultra-high-vacuum techniques

Cryogenic systems

Electrospray deposition

Job description

Join the Physics Group at the Department of Materials and Production at Aalborg University and contribute to research on the quantum properties of matter at the scale of individual atoms and molecules. This is a full-time, fixed-term PhD stipend for three years, commencing on 1 January 2027 or soon hereafter

Your work tasks

The Department of Materials and Production is looking for a PhD candidate in experimental physics to investigate how molecular complexes can be used to engineer quantum properties in materials. The project addresses fundamental questions in quantum science while contributing knowledge that may support future applications within electronics, sensing and energy harvesting. You will become part of the Physics Group and work in an international research collaboration funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark.

Your research will focus on preparing and investigating molecular complexes on crystalline surfaces. You will deposit molecular complexes by electrospray techniques under ultra-high-vacuum conditions and study their structural and electronic properties using low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy and scanning tunnelling spectroscopy. The work will involve planning and conducting experiments, documenting methods and results, analysing and discussing data, and communicating findings clearly within the research collaboration and through relevant scientific channels. You will carry out a substantial part of the research independently while collaborating closely with researchers in the project.

Your competencies

You hold a master's degree in physics, nanoscience or a closely related field. You have a solid experimental background within physics, surface science or nanoscience, together with documented experience in scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy, ultra-high-vacuum techniques, cryogenic systems, surface science and electrospray deposition.

You can organise and conduct experimental research in a systematic manner, from the planning of measurements to the documentation, analysis and interpretation of results. You communicate methods and findings clearly in English, both in writing and in dialogue with other researchers. The position calls for a researcher who can take responsibility for their own work while contributing constructively to a collaborative and international research environment.

Qualification requirements

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

Who we are

You will join the Physics Group at the Department of Materials and Production, where research activities explore materials and physical phenomena relevant to both fundamental science and future technologies. In this position, you will work at the intersection of molecular science, surface science and quantum materials research, with access to a research environment in which experimental methods and scientific discussion form the basis for developing new knowledge.

As part of an international collaboration, you will have the opportunity to engage with researchers across disciplines and contribute to a research project with both scientific depth and technological relevance. The position offers a strong foundation for further work in academic research, advanced experimental physics or research-intensive development environments.

How to apply

Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades)
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information

Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment

The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement).

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “PhD Fellow”.

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.

Aalborg University

- Knowledge for the world

Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.