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Faculty of Physics and Astronomy :
Chair of Theoretical Physics III
Prof. Ilya Eremin/Condensed Matter Theory
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.8725 hours/week = 75%;) by 12-2026, we are looking for one
PhD Position in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics (three years) (m/f/x)
The Research Group of Prof. Ilya M. Eremin at Theoretical Physics III at Ruhr University Bochum conducts research on the theory of quantum materials, with a particular focus on strongly correlated electron systems, unconventional superconductivity, magnetism, and collective phenomena. Our research aims at developing a microscopic understanding of emergent electronic phases in quantum materials and their experimentally observable signatures. A central focus of our current research is the physics of unconventional superconductors and correlated quantum materials, including recently discovered nickelate superconductors. These systems provide a particularly rich platform in which electronic correlations, orbital degrees of freedom, magnetism, structural effects, and superconductivity are intimately intertwined. Understanding their phase diagrams and excitation spectra requires the development and application of advanced many-body theoretical approaches.
One PhD position in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics is available in the Research Group Theoretical Physics III at Ruhr University Bochum. The successful candidate will investigate microscopic mechanisms of unconventional superconductivity and competing electronic phases in strongly correlated quantum materials. Particular emphasis will be placed on multiorbital systems such as bilayer and multilayer nickelates, although related problems in cuprates and other unconventional superconductors may also be addressed. The project will combine analytical and numerical many-body techniques, including tight-binding and multiorbital models, Green's-function methods, mean-field and Bogoliubov–de Gennes approaches, and methods for treating electronic correlations and collective excitations. Depending on the specific research direction and the candidate's interests, functional renormalization group, slave-boson/Gutzwiller approaches, random-phase approximation, and numerical calculations of experimentally measurable response functions may also be employed. An important aspect of the project will be the close connection between microscopic theory and current experiments, including spectroscopy, transport, and scattering measurements. The PhD researcher will work in an active international research environment and interact closely with theoretical and experimental collaborators in Germany and abroad.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 Jahre
Start: by 12-2026
Apply by: 2026-10-05
Your tasks:
- Development and investigation of microscopic theoretical models for strongly correlated quantum materials and unconventional superconductors.
- Study of superconductivity, magnetism, density-wave states, and competing or intertwined electronic orders in multiorbital systems.
- Analytical and numerical calculation of electronic structures, superconducting gap functions, collective excitations, and experimentally accessible response functions.
- Development and application of advanced many-body methods, depending on the specific research problem.
- Comparison of theoretical predictions with experimental results from spectroscopy, transport, and scattering experiments.
- Development, implementation, and documentation of numerical codes for theoretical calculations.
- Close collaboration with other members of the research group and with national and international theoretical and experimental partners.
- Presentation of research results at national and international conferences, workshops, and scientific meetings.
- Publication of the results in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Your profile:
- A successfully completed university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in physics, with a strong background in theoretical physics.
- Very good knowledge of quantum mechanics and solid-state physics.
- A strong interest in condensed matter theory, quantum many-body physics, and unconventional superconductivity.
- Previous knowledge of many-body theory, superconductivity, magnetism, strongly correlated systems, or quantum field theoretical methods is advantageous.
- Experience with numerical calculations and scientific programming, for example in Python, C/C++, Julia, Mathematica, or comparable environments, is desirable.
- Candidates should be motivated to develop and apply analytical as well as numerical theoretical methods.
- Ability to work independently and reliably while contributing actively to collaborative research projects.
- Good communication skills and willingness to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
- Good command of written and spoken English is expected.
We offer:
Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, Options for flexible working (mobile working and teleworking), A qualified on-boarding and induction process, Flexible working hours with consideration for study times
- A scientifically challenging PhD project at the forefront of theoretical condensed matter and quantum-materials research.
- The opportunity to work on current fundamental problems in unconventional superconductivity and strongly correlated electron systems.
- A high degree of scientific independence and the possibility to develop an individual research profile during the PhD.
- Close interaction with experimental groups, allowing direct comparison between theoretical predictions and state-of-the-art experiments.
- An international network of collaborators and opportunities to participate in conferences, workshops, and research visits.
- Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr.
- A qualified on-boarding and induction process.
- Collaboration in a committed and international research team.
- Support in combining family life and work (including childcare arrangements/holiday offers/mobile playroom).
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Ilya Eremin Tel.: +49 234 32 24844
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-10-05. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 6108.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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