PhD position in physics: Imaging ultrafast dynamics of elementary processes in small quantum systems - 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.

The MAX IV laboratory (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 on small quantum systems, such as molecules and clusters.

The Lund Attosecond Science Center (LASC, http://www.atomic.physics.lu.se/lasc) located at the Physics Department is today Sweden’s largest research environment to study ultrafast dynamics of matter. It belongs to the Lund Laser Centre (LLC), Laserlab-Sweden and Laserlab-Europe. At LASC, state-of-the-art attosecond light sources with intense XUV pulses (~µJ pulse energy at 10 Hz), tunable XUV pulses (at 1kHz) or ultrashort pulses with high repetition rate (at 200 kHz) are available, allowing to study electron motion in atoms, molecules and nano-scale systems.

Job assignment

The aim of the project is to study ultrafast and elementary processes in small quantum systems such as (bio)molecules, clusters and possibly low dimensional materials that are model systems to study energy transport in aqueous solution, aerosols or potential components in future electronic devices. Since the properties of matter are ultimately determined by their electronic properties, a special focus on characterizing processes driven by electron correlation is made to underpin our understanding on the quantum nature of strongly correlated fermions and the interplay between multi-electron and nuclear dynamics.

In the project the PhD student will study electronic structure, photochemical reactions and ultrafast dynamics in small quantum systems using cutting edge momentum imaging electron-ion spectroscopy with synchrotron, attosecond light sources and to some extent free-electron-lasers. The combination of light sources makes it possible to reach a fundamental understanding of ultrafast mechanisms and explore the relationship between elementary processes at various length scales from atomic scale to a few nanometers. Studies are performed on both isolated samples or samples prepared in-situ after growth. This allows us to scrutinize the role of surfaces and interfaces of nanoscale objects, which are of particular importance, as they often determine chemical activities.

The research group has access to three fully functioning momentum imaging electron-ion spectrometers, two of which are located at advanced light sources like the MAX IV Laboratory and the LASC. In addition, experiments can be performed at our in-house laboratory at the Physics Department to develop and characterize new samples and preparation techniques before going to large scale facilities like MAX IV Laboratory in Lund, the world’s most brilliant synchrotron facility (www.maxiv.lu.se) or free-electron-lasers.

This work will be made in collaboration with the LASC. The project is supported by faculty money from the Division of Synchrotron Radiation Physics.

The work will be performed in collaboration with several other researchers at the department and the MAX IV Laboratory. 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 ultrafast science) is offered.

Supervisors for this project will be Mathieu Gisselbrecht and Per Johnsson.

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, chemistry or equivalent, or
• substantial advanced course work at the Master level, or comparable, including an independent research project, or
• 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

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, programming skills or knowledge in electronics.

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 molecules and clusters or low dimension material is considered of high value. The ability for skillful laboratory work is important, including use of electron spectrometers, mass spectrometers and (ultra)high vacuum technology. Experience in working at synchrotron radiation facilities and/or with lasers 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.

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.