PhD position in Macroscopic Quantum Optics Theory

ICFO - The Institute of Photonic Sciences; España; On-site; EUR 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

ICFO - The Institute of Photonic Sciences in Spain seeks a motivated candidate to begin a PhD within the Macroscopic Quantum Optics Theory group led by Prof. Dr. Oriol Romero-Isart.

The project investigates tabletop tests of fundamental physics using levitated nanoparticles and aims to explore dark matter signatures and quantum gravity questions. The program combines top-level training with access to university coursework and ICFO mentoring.

Qualifications

• Master-equivalent degree in science or engineering.
• PhD candidates are not eligible to apply.
• Excellent academic record and English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Conduct theoretical research at the intersection of quantum optics, quantum information, and fundamental physics.
• Develop analytical and numerical tools to model quantum systems and design protocols for precision sensing and tests of fundamental physics.
• Collaborate with the Macroscopic Quantum Optics Theory group and ICFO network.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

Master-equivalent degree (EHEA, 300 ECTS)

Job description

ICFO - The Institute of Photonic Sciences

Organisation/Company ICFO - The Institute of Photonic Sciences Research Field Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 9 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 28 Oct 2026 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

ICFO is offering a PhD position to highly motivated student who wish to start their scientific career in a friendly and stimulating environment. The successful candidate will be joining the Macroscopic Quantum Optics Theory group led by Prof. Dr. Oriol Romero-Isart.

Our PhD-program brings together top-level training and teaching for young scientists, benefiting from the extensive course offerings of local universities and focused instruction by ICFO professors, in a stimulating, international and interdisciplinary environment. PhD-students have the opportunity to take advantage of our network of excellence, consisting in partners of national and international research institutes and universities, as well as industrial partners in the field.

The successful candidate will join a research project funded by a “la Caixa” Junior Leader Fellowship at ICFO. The project, “Tabletop Tests of Fundamental Physics with Levitated Nanoparticles,” will be carried out within the Macroscopic Quantum Optics Theory group Macroscopic Quantum Optics Theory group led by Prof. Dr. Oriol Romero Isart and aims to explore how levitated quantum optomechanical systems can be used to investigate fundamental questions in physics, including the search for new fundamental interactions, dark matter, and signatures of the quantum nature of gravity.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

The candidate will conduct theoretical research at the intersection of quantum optics, quantum information, and fundamental physics. Their work will involve developing analytical and numerical tools to model quantum systems and designing experimentally feasible protocols for precision sensing and tests of fundamental physics.

To be eligible for the position, candidates must:

• Have an internationally-recognised Master-equivalent degree, The degree must be completed by the start of your prospective PhD at ICFO, at the latest, and must be in a field of science and engineering related to the ICFO research activities. Degrees issued within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) must have an equivalent to 300 ECTS, out of which a minimum of 60 ECTS must have been obtained in postgraduate studies. Please, if in doubt regarding your academic eligibility, contact us at [e-mail]
• Candidates who have already been awarded a PhD are not eligible to apply.
• Have an excellent academic record, previous research experience and a strong commitment for scientific research.
• Have a high working knowledge of English.

ICFO is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are selected exclusively on merit and potential on the basis of submitted application material. No restrictions related to disabilities, citizenship or gender apply to ICFO positions. ICFO abides by the principles of openness, efficiency, transparency, supportiveness, and international comparability as stated in the European Charter for Researchers and the European Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Candidates with disabilities or other special needs are strongly encouraged to apply to the program. ICFO will provide all possible assistance to ensure the candidate’s application is fairly assessed.

Candidates who have extenuating circumstances that may explain gaps in the academic career or other potentially negatively evaluated aspects of their application are invited to volunteer, if they wish, personal information that the selection panel may consider in their evaluation. Such information may include details of family obligations, severe illness or disability, refugee situation, etc. If the selection panel decides to shortlist a candidate based in part on such extenuating circumstances, it may require the candidate to provide reasonable supporting documentation.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Other

Additional Information

Conditions

The conditions of the positions awarded in the scope of the ICFO PhD fellowship program are as follows:

• Initial contract for a period of up to 6 months (referred to as the “initial trainee period”), while being pre-admitted to the PhD program, with an explicit follow-up/ renewal procedure at the end of this first stage. Note that in certain circumstances the initial trainee period might be shortened or not offered. During this period, students already take part in the ICFO working environment, join a research group, and work with their supervisor to define a research project.

After the initial training period, students are formally enrolled in a PhD Program with a local university (as a general rule, the UPC PhD in Photonics program administered by ICFO), and the full PhD Fellowship activated. Fellowships are offered for periods of three years, renewable for an additional fourth year, and are formalized via a PhD-contract. Continuity and renewal are subject to satisfactory performance in the PhD studies and related research activities, evaluated annually by the Thesis Director and the ICFO PhD Committee.

ICFO offers a standard salary level for PhD Students of €27.257,83 gross annual salary. This applies to both the 6-months Trainee Period and the 4-years PhD Period.

The starting date will be discussed with the Group Leader by selected candidate.

All fellowships include medical care coverage and work accident insurance through the Spanish Social Security system, providing access to the Spanish public health care system.

As part of the fellowship, ICFO will provide budget as deemed necessary and with the corresponding approval from the corresponding Group/Team Leader to enable the PhD fellow to complete his/her assigned research project. This budget is managed by the Group/Team leader, and will include consumables and other materials, training and other related costs, such as registration fees, travel and subsistence costs for participation in national or international events, conference, meetings, schools, and/or other training activities.

• Additionally, a family allowance is also available on request and after corresponding approval for people with family charges in the terms described in the corresponding policy.

Selection process

All students admitted into the ICFO PhD program must pass through a selection process involving the evaluation of submitted documents, an eligibility and admissibility check and an interview with a selection committee.

ICFO Selection Committees are appointed in line with the recommendations of European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, in terms of gender balance, diversity of discipline, expertise and necessary competence for a proper evaluation and assessment of the candidates.

Selection committee interviews include a presentation of the candidate’s background, research interests and motivations, followed by questions from the committee. Candidates may explain their experience, highlight their achievements, and describe their career aspirations and relevant personal or professional details. Candidates invited to the interviews receive detailed guidelines about the selection process and the interview day.

A dedicated, external and independent Appeals Panel will be established to rule on the outcome of appeals from the applicants.