Postdoctoral position in time-resolved optical spectroscopy of semiconductor nanostructures - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

INTRODUCTION
The research at the division of Solid State Physics is focused around different aspects of semiconductor physics, ranging from materials science to quantum physics, to different applications. The division also leads NanoLund, the major interdisciplinary research environment within nanoscience and nanotechnology at Lund University. Lund Nano Lab is a central key facility for fabrication of material and devices on the nanoscale. The division is also heavily involved in the undergraduate education, especially within the “Engineering Nanoscience” program.

The last decade, our research within the area of one-dimensional semiconductor structures, so called nanowires, has been at the international forefront. So far, our three main areas have been: epitaxial growth of nanowires, fundamental properties studied with transport physics and optical physics, and more applied nanoelectronics. More information is found at: www.ftf.lth.se and www.nano.lu.se.

Project description
The project deals with optical probing of carrier dynamics in semiconductor nanostructures, in particular nanowires and quantum dots in nanowires. The structures to be studied are both polytype heterostructures (zincblende/wurtzite heterostructures, giving a type II band alignment) and conventional alloy heterostructures (in general with a type I band alignment). The material systems for the nanowires are GaAs, InP or various alloys thereof. Very thin nanowires can be grown (down to 9 nm in diameter) and we expect interesting 1D and 0D quantum physics to arise in terms of carrier relaxation dynamics and fluctuations.

Time-resolved spectroscopy will be the main tool for the studies. Time-resolved fluorescent spectroscopy (using e.g. a streak camera) will be routinely performed but we expect the applicant to also develop pump-probe techniques. In particular we want the applicant to establish sum-frequency generation as a general tool to study the bandstructure of wurtzite nanowires including heterostructures. Other pump-probe techniques such as e.g. transient absorption and transient reflectivity may also be used.

State of the art lab facilities are available for the project. The time-resolved lab has two fs Ti:Sapphire lasers which are locked to each other (Lok-to-Clock) and independently tunable in wavelength giving some unique possibilities for experiments. There is also a streak camera, avalanche photodiodes, a Hanbury Brown and Twiss setup and a continuous wave laser lab allowing micro-PL and micro-Raman spectroscopy. All setups allow for experiments on individual nanowires at temperatures down to 5 K.

The successful candidate will work in the NanoLund scientific environment. The research will be carried out in the context of the Wallenberg project Nanothermodynamics for optoelectronic semiconductor devices, starting 2017 as well as in Swedish Research Council frame program concerning Nanowires for Efficient Energy Conversion. A close collaboration with theoretical NanoLund activities is foreseen. Within NanoLund there is a large set of experimental facilities, including several growth machines, a nanolab for fabrication, equipment for transport measurements including low temperatures and high magnetic fields, low temperature cathodoluminescence, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy etc.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The postdoc is expected to independently carry out experimental research on carrier dynamics and non-linear optics in nanoscale systems. One project part is sum-frequency generation in quantum dots and wurtzite nanowires. Another part will be to investigate hot-carrier effects and transport of carriers on a fast timescale. This may involve pump-probe photoconductivity experiments on contacted nanowires. Most of the work will be performed in the optics lab but some device processing may also be needed.

The research will be performed in close collaboration with growers and electron microscopists. Good communication skills and an understanding of these concepts are therefore advantageous.

The postdoc will interact with doctoral students and possibly master students within the research area.

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• The subject of the doctorate degree should be physics or equivalent with focus on optical spectroscopy of semiconductors.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Solid knowledge of experimental optical spectroscopy and theoretical ability.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply
Apply online. Applications must contain a covering letter in which applicants describe themselves and their particular research interests, including contributions to the described research project (maximum 2 pages). Applications must also include a CV, publication list, contact details of at least two references, copies of grade certificates, and any other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to. Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions in the final step of the application process.