Informal Expression of Interest: PhD Scholarships – ERC Grant CHOPIN – University

Organisation/Company Tor Vergata University of Rome Department Physics. Research Field Physics Chemistry. Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1). Positions PhD Positions. Final date to receive applications 21 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Rome). Country Italy. Type of Contract Temporary. Job Status Full-time. Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC. Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No.

Offer

Description:

This is an informal expression of interest for two fully funded, three-year PhD fellowships in theoretical and computational condensed-matter physics/chemistry, starting on 1 November 2026, available within the ERC Starting Grant (ERC-StG) project CHOPIN, led by Tommaso Giovannini at the University of Rome Tor Vergata.

Deadline for EOI applications:
21 February 2026
.

The PhD project will focus on the development of fully atomistic multiscale theoretical and computational approaches to describe light–matter interactions at the nanoscale, with a particular emphasis on how plasmonic excitations modify the electronic structure of adsorbed molecular systems.

The ideal PhD candidate has:

• a solid background in theoretical/computational condensed-matter physics or chemistry (MSc in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related fields).
• experience with electronic-structure methods (e.g., DFT/TDDFT, excited states, highly-correlated method) and/or electromagnetism/plasmonics at the nanoscale;
• good programming skills (e.g., Fortran, Python; familiarity with Linux/HPC environments).
• strong motivation to work in an interdisciplinary environment bridging molecular theory, nanoscience, and light–matter interactions;
• good communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English.

• a dynamic and stimulating research environment within a prestigious ERC-funded project, at the interface of physics, nanoscience, and chemistry.
• close supervision and strong mentoring, with opportunities to develop scientific independence and build a solid publication track record.
• access to national and international collaborations, with the possibility of short research visits to partner groups abroad.
• dedicated funding for research-related travel, including participation in international conferences, workshops, and advanced schools.
• access to high-performance computing resources and state-of-the-art computational tools.