Postdoctoral position in Material Science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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.

Over the last decade, our research within the area of one-dimensional semiconductor structures, so called nanowires, has been at the international forefront. Semiconductor nanowires composed of III-V materials have enormous potential to add new functionality to electronics and optical applications. Our main areas of study have focused on epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductor nanowires, investigation of fundamental physical, chemical and structural properties, and exploration of potential device applications. However, to ultimately study these structures, controlled fabrication down to the atomic scale is required.

More information is found at: www.ftf.lth.se and www.nano.lu.se

Work duties

The main duties 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.

The aim of the project is to study and develop compositional and structural control of semiconducting nanowires with high yield and high spatial control in axial and radial directions for the creation of complex three-dimensional architectures. The project will utilize a metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) system with all relevant group III and group V precursor materials available. Further will advanced fabrication of templated growth substrates and in-situ analysis be employed for high yield and process control. A particular focus will be on the understanding of how the process conditions and involved chemical species used during the fabrication can be utilized to control and design the structure, morphology, composition, and properties of the final nanowire-based architectures. The research will primarily focus on the development and characterization of three dimensional atomic scale control in nanowires composed of III-V based semiconductor materials. The candidate is expected to work independently but in close collaboration with researchers within the framework of the research project and also from other academic groups.

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, materials science or related subject.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• At least two years hands-on experience with chemcial (CVD) or physical vapor phase deposition (PVD) systems.
• Strong fundamental knowledge of crystal growth/epitaxy.

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. Included within this category are related experiences such as supervision of undergraduate students and training of new equipment users.

Additional assessment criteria:

• A broad knowledge of semiconductor nanowire growth, with extensive experience studying and developing the growth processes for III-V materials
• Hands-on experience on working with semiconductor nanostructures, especially nanowires
• Good technical skills in handling and operating machines such as growth setups
• Broad and sound knowledge in semiconductor physics and materials science with the focus on the III-V compounds
• Broad hands-on experience with advanced characterization techniques of semiconductor material and nanowires including scanning electron microscopy among others
• Experience, preferably hands-on, with advanced processing techniques such as e.g. electron beam or nanoimprint lithography
• Very good communication skills are required as collaboration with project partners is essential
• We are looking for a person who is structured, goal-oriented, dedicated to problem-solving, and has good self-awareness.

The research is to a large extent interdisciplinary, and a broad competence profile and experiences from relevant areas of physics, materials science and nanoscience are of special value. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, 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

The application shall be compiled into a PDF and must include a cover letter (1-2 pages) motivating why you want to conduct research in this field at Lund University, and how the research matches your interests and scientific background including contributions to the described research project (maximum 2 pages). Applications must also include a CV, publication list, a copy of the applicant’s doctoral thesis, 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.