2 PhD Positions in Electronic Structure Theory and Quantum Transport

Overview

Two PhD positions (Research Associates, f/m/d) in the research group of Prof. Dr. Frank Ortmann at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). The project covers methodological development and application of advanced electronic-structure approaches with the opportunity to pursue a PhD.

Research Topics

• Optical excitations and excitonic effects using advanced Wannier-based methods
• Quantum transport in polymer materials with electron–phonon coupling

Project Details

The first project (a) focuses on the methodological enhancement of the linear-scaling Wannier optics approach, enabling predictive simulations of optical excitations in large and structurally complex systems, with emphasis on excitonic phenomena, quantum dynamics, and many-body effects in realistic materials. The second project (b) focuses on quantum transport in polymer materials with electron-phonon coupling in an efficient transport framework.

Start: Summer 2026 (flexible). The positions are expected to commence in summer 2026; exact start date can be agreed mutually.

About the Group and Environment

The group is part of the Cluster of Excellence e-conversion and is closely connected to the Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST) , providing an interdisciplinary environment linking condensed-matter physics, quantum theory, and materials science. TUM is ranked among the top universities in Europe and offers an outstanding research environment.

Your activities

Your activities will primarily involve theoretical formulation, numerical implementation, and validation of linear-scaling electronic-structure and optical-response methods. This includes the advancement and use of efficient algorithms, benchmarking against established approaches, and application to representative material systems. You are expected to work independently and within an international research team, and to present results at national and international conferences.

Qualifications

Your qualifications: A Master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field is required at the start of the PhD project. Background in theoretical solid-state physics or theoretical chemistry, with interest in electronic-structure theory and method development. Experience in computer simulations and programming is advantageous. Very good communication and writing skills in English are expected.

Our offer

We offer each of the two positions as research associate with the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree. The position is available for three years. Payment will be based on the Public Sector Collective Agreement of the Länder (TV-L E13 scale). TUM encourages applications from women and gives preference to disabled applicants with essentially the same qualifications.

Application

Complete application documents (CV, motivation letter, transcripts of records, and degree certificates) should be submitted as a single PDF to Up to two reference letters may be sent separately to the same email address and must clearly indicate the applicant’s name and the position applied for. Please specify your preferred topic in the application. Use subject line: “Application PhD2026-2a” or “Application PhD2026-2b”. The application deadline is .

Data Protection and Privacy

As part of your application, you provide personal data to TUM. Please view our privacy policy regarding collection and processing of personal data in the course of the application process in accordance with Art. 13 GDPR at By submitting your application you confirm that you have read and understood the data protection information provided by TUM. Find out more about us at

The position is suitable for disabled persons; disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and performance.

Contact

Frank Ortmann: