The Center for Polariton-driven Light-Matter Interactions (POLIMA) at The Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, is seeking a senior researcher to fill out a position as Assistant Professor for both research and teaching in the area of theoretical and computational physics. We are looking for applicants who have established a solid publication record, show clear promises for impactful scientific research within the areas of theoretical condensed-matter physics, first-principles simulations, and nano-scale light-matter interactions. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about contributing to the advancement and quality of the Physics and Technology education program offered by the institute and we will prefer candidates who bring experience in higher education teaching.

The position is available starting 1. October 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

POLIMA is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) for an initial period of 6 years (2023-2028), with the possibility of a 4-year extension. The center is led by Professor N. Asger Mortensen and currently consists of two Associate Professors, two Assistant Professors, a Lab Manager, a Center Administrator, and approximately 10-15 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.

We offer:
- 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.) (

POLIMA is located at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense, - 1h 15min 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.

Further information:
For further information and details about the position, application, and the research center, please contact Head of Department, Professor Horst-Günter Rubahn (rubahn@mci.sdu.dk).

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

Application procedure:
Applicants are advised to read 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.
- Summary and documentation of experience in teaching. You may attach as a Teaching Portfolio.
- A research statement may be included.
- References/reference letters may also 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 15. August 2025 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 employment:
Appointment as assistant professor is temporary and for an initial 3-year period with the possibility of extension, and the preferred start date is 1 September.

Employment as assistant professor requires scientific qualifications at minimum PhD level at the time of employment. During employment, the assistant professor will complete the Lecturer Training Programme. 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 assistant professor as described herein. Further information on salary and taxation. Persons 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.

Apply for the position at

Assistant Professorship in computational condensed-matter physics