3 PhD-Students in Condensed matter theory - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Mathematical Physics is a common division between the Natural Science and Engineering (LTH) faculties and is part of the Department of Physics. Research is conducted primarily in the field of quantum mechanical many particle physics, which includes condensed matter theory, theoretical nuclear structure physics, nanometer physics, quantum information, atomic theory and material modeling, with numerous partnerships both internationally and within Lund University.

Job assignment

The main task for each doctoral student will be to conduct research but also to master graduate courses. The research project for the newly appointed doctoral student a),b) and c) respectively are:

a) Development of a theoretical and computational method to analyze and predict spin-spin correlations as revealed by neutron scattering, using many-body Green’s function techniques. First-principles and model approaches will be considered. Collaborations with experimentalists in Lund are being established in anticipation of the start of the new European Spallation Source facility. Supervised by Claudio Verdozzi and Ferdi Aryasetiawan

b) Theoretical developments of non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF), Density functional theories (DFT) and hybrid NEGF-DFT techniques, with applications to time-dependent spectroscopy, physics at material surfaces, ultra-cold atoms, quantum transport, magnetism. Collaborations with experimentalists in Lund at MAX IV are anticipated. Supervised by Claudio Verdozzi

c) Simulation and design of THz quantum cascade lasers: In this project, the existing model shall be improved with respect to the light field in the cavity and electrical instabilities. The main purpose is to identify designs with improved device functionality, which will be tested by our international experimental collaboration partners. Supervised by Andreas Wacker

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 or equivalent, or
• substantial advanced course work at the Master level, or comparable, including an independent research Project.
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad

A person meets the specific admission requirements if he or she has:

• at least 30 credits of relevance to the subject, including at least 15 second-cycle credits, and a second-cycle degree project of 15 credits of relevance to the field,
• or an MSc in engineering in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

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

The following additional requirements apply:

• Specialized knowledge in quantum physics;
• Competence in computational procedures and programming (Fortran, C, C++ or similar);
• Good knowledge in spoken and written English

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.

Documented previous experience in: many-body theory; quantum time-dependent phenomena; semiconductor devices and optical fields (only for project c) are considered as strong merits.

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. Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions as the first step of the application process!