Education

PhD in Atomic and Molecular Physics

Exploring the Frontiers of Knowledge and Technological Innovation

Physics is the foundation of scientific and technological knowledge, encompassing everything from the structure of matter to the dynamics of the Universe. This PhD program offers advanced training in areas such as Surface Physics, Advanced Materials, Atomic and Molecular Interactions, Nuclear Reactions, Optics, and Physics Education, fostering innovative research with impact on science and technology.

Atomic Physics, one of its core areas, explores the structure and interaction of atoms and is key to advances in metrology, quantum computing, and emerging technologies. The program combines an initial curricular component with guided research, enabling doctoral students to develop original projects of international relevance.

With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and strategic scientific partnerships, the training includes both experimental and theoretical methodologies, preparing highly qualified researchers to drive scientific and industrial progress. The program's strong connection to the international scientific community reinforces its excellence, promoting innovation and the advancement of knowledge in frontier areas.

 

Why this PhD Programme?

Multidisciplinary Approach – The PhD program combines advanced theoretical and experimental methodologies, offering comprehensive training in key areas of Physics, such as Surface Physics, Advanced Materials, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Nuclear Reactions, and Optics. This enables doctoral students to develop a deep and integrated understanding of the field.

Exploring Scientific Frontiers – The program focuses on areas of high scientific and technological relevance, with direct impact on emerging fields such as quantum computing, high-precision metrology, and advanced materials, placing students at the forefront of global research.

Applied and Fundamental Research – Guided research allows students to explore both the fundamental aspects of Physics—such as atomic and molecular interactions—and their practical applications, including the development of new materials and advanced technologies.

Technological Innovation Capacity – The PhD prepares students to lead innovative research projects with the potential to directly impact future technologies, from the fabrication of advanced materials to the application of quantum physics theories in new technological devices.

Applications 2025/26

1st Phase: Mar. 14 to Apr. 7

2nd Phase: Jun. 2 to Jul. 18

Vacancies: 10

Duration: 4 years (240 ECTS)

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

Course Coordinator: Maria de Fátima Raposo, pdf.coordenador@fct.unl.pt

Academic divison: div.aea.helpdesk@fct.unl.pt

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Program

The PhD in Atomic and Molecular Physics offers advanced and specialized training in the study of the structure and interaction of atoms and molecules, addressing fundamental processes that impact fields such as astrophysics, nanotechnology, and precision metrology.

The program combines an initial curricular component—focused on deepening theoretical and experimental concepts—with a strong emphasis on research. Doctoral students develop innovative projects in areas such as:

Atomic and Molecular Interactions – study of processes in environmental and biological molecules, molecular beam interactions, and self-consistent relativistic calculations.
Nuclear Reactions – investigation of nuclear processes relevant to astrophysics and nuclear energy.
Optics and Spectroscopy – study of phenomena such as multiple photoionization and nonlinear optics.

Curriculum

Career opportunities

  • Research and Higher Education – Academic and research careers in universities and research institutions.
  • Industry and Technological Development – Senior technical positions in high-tech companies focused on innovation and the development of new materials and devices.
  • Entrepreneurship and Tech Startups – Creation and leadership of new companies based on scientific and technological innovation.
  • Scientific and Technological Consulting – Specialized advisory services in applied physics, industrial process optimization, and development of technological solutions.
  • Energy Sector and Sustainable Technologies – Application of knowledge in nuclear physics, optics, and advanced materials to drive innovation in renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
  • Metrology and Scientific Instrumentation – Development of new high-precision measurement methods and instrumentation for sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications, and aerospace industry.

About the Department of Physics

The Department of Physics (DF), formally established in 1986, was a pioneer in Portugal in teaching Physics Engineering. The DF's scientific activity mainly develops in two Research Units, LIBPhys and CEFITEC. Among the research and development activities are atomic, molecular, nuclear physics instrumentation and electronic and industrial automation with applications in analytical methods, radiation detection, and biomedical engineering, optics, and photonics, metrology, and spectrometries.

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