PhD student position on Optical Control over Topological Phases of Matter (ERC Starting Grant)

Starting April 2026 (or as agreed)

The newly-established “Quantum Opto-Electronics" research group of Prof. Tomasz Smoleński at the Department of Physics, University of Basel, Switzerland (), is looking for a highly-motivated and self-driven PhD candidate. The group utilizes low-temperature magneto-optical and quantum-optical spectroscopy to investigate strongly correlated electronic, excitonic, and spin phenomena in newly-engineered, tunable, low-dimensional quantum materials based on van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures. The advertised position is within the frame of an OptoQuantTOP ERC Starting Grant project , which aims at controlling strongly correlated topological phases of matter with light.

The successful candidate will become an essential member of our fast-growing research team exploring collective many-body phenomena in magneto-opto-electronic experiments that will be conducted under extreme conditions : at temperatures down to ~10 mK and magnetic fields up to ~10 T. The candidate will exploit light to manipulate correlated topological phases of matter at ultrafast time scales, aiming at establishing new generation of optically-programmable topological circuits. They will have access to state-of-the-art apparatus, including dry low-temperature magneto-optical cryostats, dilution refrigerator units with fiber or free-space optical access, pulsed laser systems, and clean-room device fabrication facilities.

Key requirements :

• Master's degree (held or near completion) in Physics, Nanoscience, Electrical / Optical Engineering, or related fields,
• Deep understanding and strong educational track record in condensed matter physics and optics,
• Familiarity with data analysis procedures and computer tools for automated data acquisition / processing (Python / C++ / Labview programming languages),
• Team player with excellent communication skills and collaborative working style,
• Strong self-motivation and commitment to research, high degree of independence, and creative approach for solving problems,
• Excellent presentation skills,
• Very good level of English (both written and spoken).

In addition, demonstrated track record of research papers or conference presentations in any field of condensed matter physics is highly appreciated. Outstanding candidates should also have experience in at least some of the following areas :

Application /