Job Description
The section for Luminescence Physics and Technologies (LUMPHYS) at the Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), invites applications for a 3-year PhD position. This position is funded under a European Research Council (ERC) advanced grant LUMIN (Illuminating charge transport in feldspar to measure rates of Earth surface processes). We are looking for a self-driven and innovative researcher with a passion for developing new computational tools and contributing to cutting-edge research at the intersection of Physics and Earth system science.
Background and relevance of the project
Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) is a multi-step phenomenon driven by the transport of electrons and holes across defects in the crystal lattice. Traditional models rely on simplified coupled rate equations to describe the processes of charge trapping, excitation and recombination. However, these models fall short in materials where charge transport involves both localized and delocalized mechanisms that dynamically alter the detrapping and recombination probabilities.
The aim of this project is to overcome these limitations by developing a Monte Carlo simulation model that treats each charge carrier and its various transport transitions stochastically. The PhD student will join the LUMIN team that is pushing the boundaries of luminescence physics. The researcher will collaborate with other team members working on novel high-resolution microscopy techniques to experimentally quantify transition probabilities, alongside density functional theory (DFT) calculations of defects in feldspar.
This inter-disciplinary project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research with potential applications that extend across both academic and industrial domains. It is expected to have a significant scientific impact in:
- Earth system science, by improving our models to reconstruct the evolution of Earth’s landscapes and thus help predict their future.
- Engineering applications, such as the design of next-generation artificial phosphors and radiation dosimeters for use in the medical industry.
Responsibilities and qualifications
You will develop a universal model framework for simulating charge carrier dynamics in luminescent materials. The model will incorporate a user-defined lattice structure with discrete electron- and hole-trapping sites based on defect distributions. Each site will be assigned experimentally derived transition probabilities for key processes such as trapping of free electrons and holes, and excitation, relaxation, retrapping, tunnelling, and recombination of charge carriers within defects. The charge transport will be implemented stochastically to mimic nature.
A significant focus of the project will be to apply machine learning techniques to optimize the model and enable charge transport simulations over 20 orders of magnitude in time. This comprehensive model will allow researchers to study the effects of crystal size, charge carrier density, and dose rate on charge depletion under different heat and sunlight exposure conditions.
The key responsibilities are:
- Develop a user-friendly Monte Carlo simulation framework for charge transport in solids.
- Implement a flexible, user-defined distribution of trapping sites in three-dimensional lattice structures.
- Incorporate key charge transport mechanisms, including trapping, retrapping, tunnelling, and recombination, based on their respective transition probabilities.
- Use machine learning approaches to optimize model performance and run simulations over multiple time scales.
- Validate and improve the model with experimental data collected by the research team.
- Project management
- Lead the publication of results in high-impact scientific journals.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in software development and computational modelling, with background in physics, materials science, engineering, computation or a related discipline where they have demonstrated advanced skills in scientific programming.
The candidate should possess strong communication and academic writing skills in English.
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.
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.
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.
At DTU Physics, we perform research, teaching, and innovation in experimental and theoretical physics with the overall aim to benefit society. We contribute to the transition to sustainable energy via research and innovation in catalysis, Power-to-X, and nuclear energy solutions. We design and develop new functional materials, contribute to advances in geosciences and life sciences, and we develop and exploit quantum physics and quantum technologies.
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 position is available from 1 May 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter as per mutual agreement.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Mayank Jain, maja@dtu.dk, +45 4677 4909.
You can read more about the Department at www.fysik.dtu.dk/english.
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 30 March 2025 (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:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
You may apply prior to obtaining your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.
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.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.
