Open PhD position on “Attosecond molecular dynamics”

Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid); España; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

The Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) is offering a PhD position in the Chemistry/Physics research areas. The project focuses on describing the coupled electron–nuclear dynamics of small and medium-size molecules using short attosecond and femtosecond pulses, covering UV-Vis to X-ray frequencies.

We aim to explore novel pump–probe schemes to initiate and monitor ultrafast molecular dynamics and to simulate time-resolved signals for interpreting current experiments.

Qualifications

• MSc degree in Physics, Theoretical Chemistry, or related field.
• Good knowledge of quantum mechanics, basic knowledge of electrodynamics and of atomic, molecular and optical physics.

Responsibilities

• Describe the coupled electron–nuclear dynamics of small and medium-size molecules under ultrafast pulses.
• Explore pump–probe schemes to initiate and monitor these ultrafast molecular processes.
• Simulate time-resolved signals for interpretation of current experiments.

Skills

Quantum mechanics concepts

Light–matter interactions

Programming experience

Scientific programming languages

Education

MSc degree in Physics, Theoretical Chemistry, or related field

Tools

C

C++

Python

Job description

Organisation/Company Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Department Faculty of Sciences, Module 13 Research Field Chemistry Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The PhD thesis project aims at describing the coupled electron–nuclear dynamics of small and medium-size molecules upon interaction with short atto- and few-femtosecond pulses, at frequencies ranging from the UV-Vis up to the X-ray range. The focus of the thesis will be the exploration of novel pump–probe schemes to initiate and monitor these ultrafast molecular dynamics, and the simulation of associated time-resolved signals for the interpretation of current experiments.

• MSc degree in Physics, Theoretical Chemistry, or related field
• Good knowledge of quantum mechanics, basic knowledge of electrodynamics and of atomic, molecular and optical physics

Specific Requirements

• Interest in modeling and simulating light–matter interactions in molecules
• Experience in scientific programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Python, etc.) will be valued

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Languages SPANISH Level Good

Additional Information

Up to four-year duration contract, starting not earlier than November 1st, 2026 and not later than July 30th, 2027. The salary will follow the standards of a predoctoral position in Spain.

Eligibility criteria

• MSc degree in Physics, Theoretical Chemistry, or related field