PhD position in physics: Growth, structure and function of semiconductor nanostructure surfaces to the atomic scale - 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 on experimental studies of electronic, structural, and chemical properties of materials, as well as on accelerators and instrumentation for Synchrotron radiation. 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 tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

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, and nanotechnology.

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.

Job assignment
The aim of the project is to use the highly advanced Lund III-V semiconductor nanowire platform as a basic building block to create and characterize atomic scale precise structures that are both interesting model systems as well as functioning devices using quantum effects for functionality. Beside these nanowire heterostructures, also other nanostructures and low-dimensional semiconductor materials with potential for novel applications in renewable energy and computation will be investigated.

In the project the PhD student will study structure formation and function on semiconductor nanostructures using cutting edge scanning probe microscopy as well as synchrotron based diffraction, spectroscopy, and imaging. This combination of techniques makes it possible to reach a fundamental understanding of nanostructure growth-structure-function relationship at length scales from microns to the atomic scale. It further allows us to focus on surfaces and interfaces of nanoscale objects, which are of particular importance, as they often directly define functionality. Studies are performed both on static structures and in-situ during growth or operation of the nanostructures.

The research group has access to five fully functioning ultrahigh vacuum STM/AFM systems, several of which are equipped with electrical contacts for in-situ studies of electronic devices and one (newly acquired) also operates at below 10K. In addition, experiments will be performed at the MAX IV Laboratory in Lund, the world’s most brilliant synchrotron facility (www.maxiv.lu.se), as well as at other international synchrotron and scanning probe facilities. Finally, experiments will include the use of a variety of other widely used nanoscience characterization and fabrication techniques.

This work will be embedded in the NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se) Center for Nanoscience, a world-leading research center that involves more than 250 scientists from various disciplines working within nanoscience and nanotechnology. The project is supported by major grants from the Swedish Research Council and the Wallenberg Foundation.

The work will be performed in collaboration with several other researchers at the department. The main task for the doctoral student will be to conduct research education, which includes work with research, but also to master graduate courses. Participation in several PhD schools (e.g. on nanoscience or advanced microscopy) is offered.

Supervisors for this project will be Anders Mikkelsen and Rainer Timm.

Entry requirements
A formal requirement for doctoral studies in physics is:

• a university degree on advanced level within a related field, such as a Master's degree in physics, nanoscience or equivalent, or
• substantial advanced course work at the Master level, or comparable, including an independent research project.

Furthermore, the acceptance is based on the estimated ability to accomplish postgraduate studies.

Other requirements:

Good knowledge in spoken and written English is a requirement.

Basis of assessment
Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within the research area, such as a broad and thorough preparation in physics. This can be documented by appended documents.
2. Estimated ability to work independently and the ability to formulate and solve scientific questions. This ability can be established, for example, based on undergraduate research experiences, a Master's thesis or in a discussion of scientific problems during a possible interview.
3. Skills in written and oral communication.
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

We consider good cooperation ability, drive, and independent work ability as positive personal attributes, as well as creativity and a curious mind.

For the present position, experience with surface studies of semiconductors is considered of high value. The ability for skillful laboratory work is important, including advanced scanning probe microscopy and ultrahigh vacuum technology. Experience in working at synchrotron radiation facilities and/or in clean-room environments is of additional benefit. Experience in the scientific interaction with researchers from other disciplines and from other countries is important.

Terms of employment
A PhD position is an employment with the main duty to be engaged in PhD studies according to the study plan. The duration of PhD studies is 4 years full time studies. In addition, those appointed to doctoral student position may be required to work with educational tasks, research, and technical/administrative duties at a level of at most 20% of full time. The position is then extended correspondingly, however not longer than corresponding to 5 years full time employment. PhD positions are subject to special regulations. These can be found in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100, ch. 5, with updates). Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to PhD position.

Application procedure
Apply online! Applications must contain a covering letter in which applicants describe themselves and their particular research interests. Applications must also include a CV, a copy of the applicant’s Master’s thesis (or a summary text if the thesis is not yet completed), contact details of at least two references, copies of grade certificates, and any other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to.

Remarks
We ask companies dealing with advertising job openings and staffing companies to refrain from seeking contact with us since we are bound by contracts in the governmental system.

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.