Postdoc in X-ray based studies of semiconductor nanostructures - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Physics (www.sljus.lu.se) is a part of the Department of Physics and has more than 40 employees. The focus of the research is experimental studies of electronic, structural and chemical properties of materials, accelerators for Synchrotron radiation and instruments and methods for Synchrotron radiation. At the Division we use and develop a wide range of Synchrotron- and lab-based techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy/imaging and X-ray diffraction/imaging. We also host one of Sweden's largest facilities for scanning probe microscopy. We are additionally engaged in the development of the MAX IV Laboratory in the fields of beamlines, experimental stations, techniques for Synchrotron radiation and the accelerator systems.

MAX IV (www.maxiv.lu.se/) is a national large-scale research laboratory hosted by Lund University and situated within biking distance from the Department of Physics. It provides scientists from Sweden and the rest of the world with the most brilliant Synchrotron radiation source and instrumentation for research in areas such as materials science, structural biology, chemistry and nanotechnology. Fully developed it will receive around 3000 scientists annually and host around 26 beamlines (www.issuu.com/lundsuniversitet/docs/strategyreport_2016_2026).

NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se) is the Centre for Nanoscience at Lund University. NanoLund is today Sweden’s largest research environment for nanoscience, engaging approximately 270 PhD students and scientists in the Faculties of Engineering, Science, and Medicine. It operates Lund Nano Lab, a state-of-the-art cleanroom for the synthesis, processing, and characterization of semiconductor nanostructures.

In order to rationally design semiconductor nanostructures with realistic applications in future electronics and photonics, it is crucial to reach a fundamental understanding of their structure-function relationship at length scales from microns to the atomic scale. In nano-objects, surfaces and interfaces are of particular importance, as they often directly define device functionality and strongly influence local electrostatics and strain fields. 

This project aims to study the structure and influence of semiconductor nanostructure surfaces and interfaces using cutting edge Synchrotron based diffraction, spectroscopy, and imaging techniques.

In the research we will use and develop a wide range of Synchrotron-based techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy/imaging and X-ray diffraction/imaging. This will allow us to study detailed geometric and electronic structure of both particularly interesting surfaces and interfaces as well as fully operational devices – even in-operando. The highly advanced Lund III-V semiconductor nanowire platform will be a basic building block to create structures that are both interesting model systems as well as functioning devices using quantum effects for functionality. Structures of both 3-, 2-, 1-, and 0-dimensional character will be investigated. The overarching goal of the project is a new understanding of how (opto-)electronic nanostructures function on the atomic scale.

The project is supported by major grants from the Swedish Research Council and the Wallenberg Foundation.

Work description

The main duty involved in a post-doctoral position 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 postdoctoral fellow is expected to interact with the master students and the PhD students in the research group and contribute to meetings and seminars.

This project aims to study the structure and influence of semiconductor nanostructure surfaces and interfaces using cutting edge Synchrotron based diffraction, spectroscopy, and imaging techniques.

Work will be carried out at the new Synchrotron MAX IV in Lund as well as other synchrotrons world-wide. An important aspect will be the use of Hard X-ray diffraction/imaging techniques to study the strain and structure in nanowire-based devices and complex structures. However, photoemission-based spectroscopy/imaging will also be part of the work. Advanced X-ray imaging techniques such as Coherent Diffraction Imaging or Bragg Ptychography can be used and further developed. The successful candidate will interact with experts in manufacturing of semiconductor nanoscale structures and devices to design relevant structures. The work will be performed in collaboration with several other researchers at the institute as well as a number of Ph.D. students and master students.

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD degree, 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 application.

Additional requirements:

The subject of the doctorate degree should be in physics, chemistry, nanoscience, or equivalent.

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 or related experience, such as mentoring, supervision, or training in equipment use.

Additional assessment criteria are:

• Extensive experience in X-ray diffraction techniques in particular related to surfaces/interfaces and/or nanoscale imaging (very important)
• Experience in experiments on semiconductor nanostructures and surfaces (important)
• Experience in PhotoEmission spectroscopy
• Experience in synchrotron-based experiments Experience in Ultra High Vacuum equipment
• Experience in computer analysis of diffraction and/or photoemission data

Important personal qualities are, beside creativity and a curious mind, the ability to work both independently and in a group, and experience in the scientific interaction with researchers from other disciplines and in other countries.

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.