The PhD in Physics and Nanosciences program provides students with the opportunity to study with leading experts working in areas such as advanced materials, energy storage, quantum information science, nanotechnology, and other fundamental and applied physics topics.
A degree with a focus on Materials for Sustainability and Health enables students to use physics and chemistry principles to understand and design solutions for:
- Energy harvesting and energy storage
- Bio- and Flexible electronics
- Tribology at the nanoscale
- Biosystems for health.
A degree with a focus on Quantum Science and Nanotechnology provides students with the opportunity to be trained on both fundamental and applied aspects of quantum science and nanotechnology. The program encompasses a variety of topics that will help shape the quantum future:
- Quantum computing and quantum sensing
- Quantum Information Processing and Quantum Technologies
- Low dimensional, molecular and quantum materials
- Micro- and nano-fabrication
- Microscopy and spectroscopy for materials characterization.
A degree with a focus on Condensed Matter Theory and Computation enables students to work with a team of scientists to develop methods and algorithms for materials simulations. The program includes research in:
- First principles and multiscale simulations
- Quantum theory of many-body systems
- Advanced simulations of materials and molecules: properties, excitations, and spectroscopies
- Theory and method development for computational condensed matter physics
- High performance computing and quantum computation for materials
- Data-driven design and discovery of materials: machine learning and automated workflows.
A degree with a focus on Fundamental Interactions and Astrophysics blends efforts from faculty in physics to carry out research projects in:
- Quantum field theory
- String theory
- High energy and astroparticle physics
- HPC simulations and observations of black holes, galaxies, and astrophysical processes
Students perform their research in state-of-the-art facilities and labs. Labs located on-site blend expertise in materials deposition, lithography, microscopy, spectroscopy, low temperature physics, and biophysics. The students will receive training in carrying out research projects at national and international facilities, such as synchrotrons, leadership computing facilities, strong magnetic field labs, and electron microscopy labs.
The PhD offers a robust career development program with a high degree of internationalization: all lectures and research are carried out in English. Students have a travel budget to attend conferences and workshops and are guided in connecting to national and international research networks. The program offers the possibility to spend time abroad for advanced training opportunities. Research projects may involve the active participation of industries, or third parties such as hospitals and high schools, as appropriate.
The PhD Program offers a joint training path with the [graduate School of Physics of the University of São Paulo in Brazil](https://portal.if.usp.br/pg/pt-br/usp-graduate-program-physics), with the possibility of obtaining a Double Degree at the end.
Program Overview
Learn more about our curriculum structure, student-centered approach to education and research, and more.