Phd in Nuclear Physics, NUSTAR - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Job assignments

The Division of Nuclear Physics at the Department of Physics at Lund University covers a broad spectrum of basic and applied nuclear and environmental physics research. Within the Division, the experimental nuclear structure group focuses on the basic existence and structure of nuclei far from the line of stability. This research line combines cutting-edge modern experimental techniques to separate and identify the nuclei of interest, applying high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy methods to access their internal structure. The working environment comprises international collaborations, within which we conduct experiments at international large-scale accelerator facilities, as well as close contact with the nuclear structure theory group at Lund.

The successful candidate is envisaged to focus on research within the Swedish efforts towards the European FAIR-NUSTAR facility (http://www.fair-center.eu/for-users/experiments/nustar.html) located near Darmstadt, Germany.

One of the long-term goals is to prepare and conduct high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy experiments on fast radioactive ion beams by employing modern radiation detection systems like the Lund-York-Cologne-Calorimeter (LYCCA, http://www.nuclear.lu.se/english/research/basic-nuclear-physics/nustar/lycca). LYCCA is currently being set-up at a dedicated beamline of the 10 MV Tandem accelerator at the University of Cologne, Germany. This provides new physics opportunities for dedicated low-energy nuclear reactions studies, prior to RIBs at FAIR-NUSTAR. The construction of LYCCA modules, the commissioning of the full LYCCA detector system at Cologne, and conducting nuclear physics experiments with LYCCA at Cologne are the core of the thesis work. Development and characterisation of fast plastic scintillators for the timing system of the Super-FRS at FAIR is the second task for the project. High resolution time-of-flight detectors are essential for rare isotopes separation and identification at relativistic energies enabling the study of very short-lived nuclei.

Following preparations at Lund as well as at the respective accelerator site, active participation in the experiments, data analysis and physics interpretation, and presentation of the scientific results written and orally are envisaged. The candidate is also expected to be engaged in teaching activities of the Division, thereby building up pedagogical skills in parallel. The time spent in teaching activities can prolong the period of PhD student appointment.

Eligibility/Entry Requirements

A formal requirement for doctoral studies in nuclear physics is an advanced university degree within a related field, such as a Master's degree in nuclear physics or equivalent, or substantial advanced course work at the master level or comparable, including an independent research project. Furthermore, the acceptance is going to be based on the assessed ability to accomplish postgraduate studies. Very good skills in written and spoken English is another requirement. Knowledge in German are considered a surplus value. Basic skills in handling Linux operating systems as well as C and C++ programming are required. Experience working with multi-parameter data acquisition systems is a surplus value. The successful applicant should expect to spend time at foreign accelerator laboratories.

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:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within the research area.
• 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.
• Skills in written and oral English.
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies.

Other assessment criteria are good cooperation ability, drive and independent work ability as positive personal attributes. Documented experience with numerical modeling and programming is considered a plus. The candidate is expected to be able to work cooperatively within the environment of the local research group and international collaborations at large-scale accelerator facilities.

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.

The official record number should be clearly stated in all correspondences. It is requested to use the online application forms, eventually including links to complementary documents such as theses or scientific publications.

Appointment Procedure

Apply online!

The official record number should be clearly stated in all correspondences. It is requested to use the online application forms, eventually including links to complementary documents such as theses or scientific publications.

The application must include:

• CV (maximum two A4 pages).
• Merits, including a list of publications.
• Certified documentation of undergraduate and graduate study results in Swedish or English.
• Two reference persons who can be contacted by Lund University. Briefly describe your association with them and provide their contact addresses.
• A letter of application detailing your personal qualifications and motivation for the position by referring to the job assignments and the assessment criteria (maximum one A4 page).
• Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions as the first step of the application process.