PhD scholarship in First-principles Theory of Exciton Interactions and Dynamics in 2D Moiré Systems - DTU Physics

The section for Computational Atomic-scale Materials Design (CAMD) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated candidate for a PhD position within the area of ab initio many-body theory with applications to excitons in complex 2D van der Waals materials. 

The position is funded via a EuroTech Alliance Stipend and involves collaborations with the experimental group of Andras Kis at EPFL.

Responsibilities
The successful candidate will develop and apply ab initio computational methods rooted in many-body (perturbation) theory to explore exciton dynamics, exciton transport and exciton-exciton interactions in semiconductors with a specific focus on atomically thin 2D van der Waals materials (moiré and heterostructures). Depending on the interests of the candidate, they may also be involved in our ongoing developments of a digital data infrastructure for 2D materials (see 2dhub.org), which would involve high-throughput electronic structure computations using the Python-based Taskblaster workflow framework. 

CAMD offers an international and scientifically stimulating working environment at the Department of Physics, DTU, located in the northern Copenhagen area. The group develops the GPAW electronic structure code, the ASE Python library, and the TaskBlaster workflow framework. Substantial computational resources are available for the project through the DTU-supercomputer facility Niflheim.

Qualifications
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

The successful candidate will have obtained excellent grades in his/her Bachelor and Master educations. A solid background in quantum mechanics and solid state physics is required. Moreover, knowledge of programming (in particular Python) is preferred. Furthermore, the candidate should be highly motivated and willing to work in a team.

Good communication skills in both spoken and written English, are a requirement. 

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Kristian S. Thygesen.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years. The work must be carried out at DTU. The position is available from 1 February 2026.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Kristian S. Thygesen (thygesen@fysik.dtu.dk).

You can read more about CAMD at www.fysik.dtu.dk/english/Research/CAMD.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 16 January 2026 (23