Home / Opportunities / PhD position in Experimental Physics with a focus on photonics and materials science (fundamental aspects) — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK, Umeå University
Sweden · Department of Physics, Umeå University, Umeå
PhD position in Experimental Physics with a focus on photonics and materials science (fundamental aspects) — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK, Umeå University
A funded PhD in ultrafast photonics at Umeå University — one of Sweden's largest universities — inside the EU's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK. You work on spatiotemporal hybrid light–matter states with international secondments in Spain (theory, 6 months) and Germany (ultrafast optics industry, 3 months).
Why it is notable: Doctoral Network positions are advertised per-project on university vacancy pages, not on a central portal — most "funded PhD Sweden" searches surface only national listings and miss MSCA network posts. The built-in industrial secondment (Ultrafast Innovations GmbH) is rare for fundamental-physics PhDs and adds a strong industry credential.
Funding at a glance
What it covers
Fully funded: 36 months of MSCA funding at ≥ MSCA level (approx. SEK 33,100 gross/month) plus possible MSCA mobility and family allowances
remainder of employment funded from other sources. Full employment conditions and benefits under Swedish regulations
Eligibility criteria
Qualification Required
Masters/MPhilfor PhD
This scholarship is offered for PhD programs.
Who can apply
all nationalities (subject to the mobility rule); must meet general entry requirements: qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at advanced (second-cycle) level, or at least 240 ECTS credits including at least 60 ECTS at advanced level. Specific requirement: courses in physics comprising at least 120 credits; a Master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, applied physics, optics/photonics, materials science, nanoscience, electrical engineering or a closely related field.
Experience
No experience required
Language Certificate
English fluency, written and spoken, is mandatory. A documented background in photonics, nanophotonics, ultrafast optics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics, exciton–polaritons, light–matter interaction, numerical simulations or quantum modelling is meritorious.
Other Certificates
Degree certificates & transcripts
Age Limit
No Age Limit
Check your eligibility
Run all three quick checks before reviewing your chosen course's full entry requirements.
1
Country checker
all nationalities (subject to the mobility rule); must meet general entry requirements: qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at advanced…
2
Last degree checker
Choose your highest completed qualification to see which degree level may fit.
3
Course checker
Pick a course to see whether it falls inside this scholarship's scope.
Complete all three checks
Your combined result will appear here.
Based on published eligibility — always confirm on the official page before applying.
Application essentials
Requirements
Review each requirement before you begin the application.
01
Language
English fluency, written and spoken, is mandatory. A documented background in photonics, nanophotonics, ultrafast optics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics, exciton–polaritons, light–matter interaction, numerical simulations or quantum modelling is meritorious.
02
Qualification
all nationalities (subject to the mobility rule); must meet general entry requirements: qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at advanced (second-cycle) level, or at least 240 ECTS credits i
03
Documents
(1) cover letter with summary of research interests and motivation (max
Document checklist
01(1) cover letter with summary of research interests and motivation (max. 1 page)
02(2) CV
03(3) certified copies of relevant degree certificate(s) translated to English or Swedish
04(4) transcripts with grades, with English or Swedish translation — international applicants must explain their grading system briefly
05(5) copies of student theses and publications (if any)
06(6) names and contact information of at least one reference person.
Application fee
No fee — completely free
No separate scholarship application fee is published; confirm on the official page.
Visa, kept concise: Admitted doctoral candidates apply for a residence permit for doctoral studies at the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), normally from the Swedish embassy/consulate in the home country, after receiving the admission/employment…
Application Procedure
3 steps — follow in order. Each stage prepares the next.
01
Prepare the documents listed below
all in PDF, written in English (preferred) or Swedish.
→
02
Log in and submit via the Umeå
University e-recruitment system Varbi using the button on the official vacancy page.
→
03
Applications must arrive by the deadline below.
Application milestones
30 Nov 2026
Application deadline
2026
Intake year
Ready to apply?
Continue on the official Department of Physics, Umeå University, Umeå platform.
30 Nov 2026 — (stated as "Last day to apply is November 30, 2026" and info box "Application deadline, 30 Nov 2026"; no time…
Who can apply?
all nationalities (subject to the mobility rule); must meet general entry requirements: qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at advanced (second-cycle) level, or at least 240 ECTS credits including at least 60 ECTS at advanced level. Specific requirement: courses in physics comprising at least 120 credits; a Master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, applied physics, optics/photonics, materials science, nanoscience, electrical engineering or a closely related field.
What does the scholarship cover?
Fully funded: 36 months of MSCA funding at ≥ MSCA level (approx. SEK 33,100 gross/month) plus possible MSCA mobility and family allowances; remainder of employment funded from other sources. Full employment conditions and benefits under Swedish regulations
Where do I apply?
Through the official application portal linked in the Official links section on this page.
Need document or attestation help?
Detailed attestation guidance stays in Opplore's standalone Guides section, not inside this scholarship page.
Sweden · Department of Physics, Umeå University, Umeå