Professor in Computational Solid-state Quantum Physics - DTU Physics

The Department of Physics (DTU Physics) invites applications for a professorship in computational solid-state physics and materials science with a particular focus on quantum effects. You will be part in the section for Computational Atomic-Scale Materials Design, which is internationally recognized for its cutting-edge method and software development in the field. 


The position offers an excellent research environment that facilitates computational prediction and design of functional materials, which will shape the technology of tomorrow. 


As our new professor, you will be part of a leading international research environment working at the frontiers of physics and technology. We believe that the best ideas emerge through collaboration, openness, and the sharing of knowledge across our research environments. As a scientific leader, you are expected to contribute not only through excellent research and education, but also by fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive culture that enables colleagues and students to succeed. We strive to combine scientific excellence with responsibility, collegiality, and a healthy work-life balance.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your overall focus will be in computational modelling and design of advanced materials with a fundamental physics approach. 


The computational research should interact closely with for the department’s experimental activities at the European Spallation Source (ESS) –in close collaboration with the Data Management & Scientific Computing centre (DMSC) located on the DTU campus in Lyngby. Specifically, you will:

• Conduct basic computational research that unravels the physics of one or more of the topics
  
  
  
  • Quantum magnetism
  
  
  • Ferroelectrics
  
  
  • Low-dimensional materials
  
  


• Contribute to the development of functional materials for emerging digital technologies such as spintronics and non-volatile memory devices


• Engage in method development that advances current state-of-the-art in electronic structure research


• Develop and apply the computational toolbox required to explain experimental hard matter research at the ESS


• Support the development and use of the electronic structure software packages anchored at the department


• Teach at the BEng, BSc, MSc and PhD level in specialized courses as well as the core courses that constitutes the foundation of the engineering physics education

Your qualifications should include: 

• Strong track record in research based on Density Functional Theory (DFT). Ideally, with respect to both applications and method development


• Proven expertise in computational spectroscopy methods such as GW, BSE and TDDFT


• Robust grounding in advanced solid-state theory – e.g. exemplified by publications on magnons, phonons, excitons, strong correlation, electronic transport or topological insulators


• Fruitful collaboration with experimental groups


• Highly experienced teacher in basic as well as specialized BSc and MSc physics courses. Including development of teaching material

You are expected to take a lead role in teaching at the BEng, BSc, MSc and PhD levels.


DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Documented experience and quality of teaching and curriculum development


• Research impact and experience, funding track record and research vision


• International impact and experience 


• Societal impact


• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry


• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills


• Communication skills

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures. 


The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus.

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Professor and Head of Section Kristian S. Thygesen, tel.: +45 9351 1668 and Head of Department Martin Meedom Nielsen, tel.: +45 4525 3226.


You can read more about us at https://physics.dtu.dk.


If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. 

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 28 October 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter) addressed to the President


• Vision for teaching 


• Vision for research 


• CV including employment history, list of publications indicating scientific highlights, H-index and ORCID (see http://orcid.org/)


• Teaching portfolio including documentation of teaching experience


• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)

You can learn more about the recruitment process here.


Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.


All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Physics at the Technical University of Denmark is an internationally recognized center for fundamental and applied research across a broad spectrum of physics, spanning quantum physics, materials science, heterogeneous catalysis, plasma physics, and fluids. The section for Computational Atomic-scale Materials Design (CAMD) has a strong tradition for developing open-source software packages that are applied to solve a wide range of problems in computational material science. In particular within optical properties, magnetism and machine learning.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.