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.
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)
Course Coordinator: Maria de Fátima Raposo, pdf.coordenador@fct.unl.pt
Academic divison: div.aea.helpdesk@fct.unl.pt
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.
To be admitted to the PhD program in Atomic and Molecular Physics, candidates must meet the requirements established by national legislation, as well as the regulations of UNL and NOVA FCT, and comply with at least one of the following conditions:
Hold a master’s degree in scientific areas of Physics, Physical Engineering, or related fields, or an equivalent legal qualification, with a minimum final grade of 14 (on a 0–20 scale);
Hold a bachelor’s degree and possess an academic or scientific curriculum deemed particularly relevant and recognized by the Scientific Council as demonstrating the capacity to undertake this cycle of studies;
Possess an academic, scientific, or professional curriculum in the field of Physics that is recognized by the Scientific Council of NOVA FCT, upon recommendation from the Department of Physics Scientific Committee, as demonstrating the capacity to undertake this cycle of studies.
The selection of candidates is the responsibility of the PhD Scientific Committee through the evaluation of the submitted documentation, and it may invite potentially eligible candidates for an interview.
The Scientific Committee of the Physics doctoral program may request the candidate to provide additional documentation deemed relevant for the application assessment.
Tuition fee - Portuguese students: 2.750€/year
Tuition fee - Foreign students: 2.750€/year
The NOVA University Lisbon reinforces its commitment to equity in higher education by awarding scholarships that promote inclusion and equal opportunities.
More information here.
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.