Our research group is always open to expressions of interest from undergraduate and graduate students.
Are you interested in creating new nanomaterials? Do you want to learn how to do spectroscopy on single nanostructures? Are you interested in exploring your creativity in instrument design? This might be the right opportunity for you.
The HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics (Wigner RCP) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position for the project supported by the National Research Excellence Programme Starting Grant “Optically active hierarchical nanostructures based on boron nitride nanotubes”.
Technological development increasingly relies on nanoscale building blocks for electronics, photonics and quantum computing, therefore precise bottom-up material design is in the forefront of materials science. Nanotubes with hollow cavities in the nanometer and length in the micrometer scale offer ideal templates to serve as nanosized laboratories, where new crystal structures, molecular assemblies can be created. Careful material design can realize robust building blocks for hierarchical nano-assemblies with endless functional potential. Our project focuses on synthesis of these novel materials, and on development of experimental setups to fully explore their properties.
Job description:
· The project aims to develop novel one-dimensional nanomaterials with optical functionalities inside various nanotubes.
· You will join the Laboratory for Advanced Structural Studies at the HUN-REN Wigner RCP.
· You will participate in the design and synthesis of new hierarchical nano-assemblies.
· You will use various optical spectroscopy techniques and transmission electron microscopy to study the properties of these novel systems both in the macro- and nanoscale.
· You will get hands-on experience with instrument development.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have:
· Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Chemistry or a closely related field
· Fluency in spoken and written English
· Demonstrated motivation for creative experimental work, with an interest in instrument design and strong problem-solving skills
· Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
· Previous experience in optical design and scanning near-field optical microscopy is an advantage but not required.
What we offer:
· At the HUN-REN Wigner RCP you will work in an international work environment. Our institute is located in a picturesque green forest in the hills above Budapest, the cultural hub of Central Europe.
· Our group fosters a collegial atmosphere with direct access to senior researchers and a high degree of individual responsibility.
· You will work in well-established laboratories with state-of-the-art instruments.
· The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year up to 4 years), founded by the National Research and Innovation Office STARTING grant scheme.
· The starting salary is 700 000 HUF/month.
· You will be enrolled in a doctoral program at one of our partner universities, providing access to a range of courses, with tuition fees covered by the project.
· You will have opportunities for international collaboration, conference participation, and research visits.
More information?
For further information about the position, please contact Bea Botka, HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics at botka.bea@wigner.hu.
Application Process
Applicants should submit the following documents:
· Curriculum Vitae
· Motivation letter outlining research interests and suitability for the project
· Copy of Master’s degree certificate (or proof of expected completion), along with academic transcripts
· Brief summary of the Master’s thesis
· Contact details of at least two referees
Applications should be sent to Bea Botka, botka.bea@wigner.hu.
The application deadline is 15 May 2026.
The expected start date is 1 September 2026.