The Astroparticle and Dark Matter group at the Center for Cosmology and Particle Physics Phenomenology (CP3) at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a PhD position in detector development for the next generation of cryogenic dark-matter axion experiments. 

The successful candidate will contribute to the characterization and development of resonators and cavities for the Fabry-Pérot Axion Experiment (FAxE) and the Relic Axion Detector Exploratory Setup (RADES). In particular, the candidate will study superconducting cavity and mirror coatings to boost the experimental sensitivity. Moreover, development of the read-out system and data acquisition is planned. The candidate will participate in first data taking campaigns for both experiments. For RADES, these are foreseen in 2028 / 2029 and will require shift work and non-standard working hours. 

The project is carried out within the framework of the CERN Lighthouse Consortium aiming to strengthen collaborative research activities between Denmark and CERN. The successful candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Graduate School for Natural Sciences at SDU and the doctoral program at CERN, and will have access to experimental facilities at both institutions. The position includes a mobility component of up to two years at CERN, undertaken within CERN's Technology Department. CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is one of the world's leading laboratories for particle physics. Located on the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva, it operates some of the largest and most complex scientific instruments in the world, and provides a unique and stimulating environment for students and researchers from across the globe. 

Our group at CP3 provides hands-on access to state-of-the-art cryogenic facilities and is embedded in a vibrant and interdisciplinary research environment at SDU, with close ties to leading groups in light–matter interactions and nanophotonics, as well as to theoretical physicists in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. 

Essential qualifications include 

• a strong motivation for fundamental research

• a solid background in particle physics

• experience with RF components. 

Experience in cryogenics, superconductivity, data analysis, programming, and working in international research teams or collaborations will be considered an advantage. 

To read more about the PhD program at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, read more here. 

Natural Science Research – Interdisciplinary Strength
The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU and is located in Odense. At the Department, we contribute to solving some of society’s greatest challenges within energy, environment, health, and sustainability. We succeed because we build bridges between disciplines and transcend traditional boundaries. Our interdisciplinary mindset is not only a fundamental condition, but also our strength. And it is a strength that ensures our research and education are recognized both nationally and internationally.

Our vision is to create and apply knowledge across the natural sciences. We are unique in housing research within physics, chemistry, and pharmacy under one department, which provides excellent opportunities to explore the intersections between these disciplines. Read more about our vision here.

Application deadline: 31. July 2026 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk