Post-doctoral position in condensed matter theory - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Post-doctoral position in condensed matter theory, in particular topological superconductivity and topological quantum information processing

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.

In the last decade, our research within the area of one-dimensional semiconductor structures, so called nanowires, has been at the international forefront. So far, our three main areas have been epitaxial growth of nanowires, fundamental properties studied with transport physics and optical physics, and more applied nanoelectronics. 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.

Research Project This position is a part of an EU project in the so-called QuantERA program. The goal of the project is to take the next step in research on topological superconductivity and Majorana bound states, in particular their use in quantum information processing. Internationally leading experimental and theoretical groups collaborate in this project. In this position, you will conduct theoretical research in close collaboration with our experimental partners. You are expected to take part in the planning and development of new experiments and help interpret experimental results. In parallel, you will work with development of new theoretical methods and with calculations based on model systems. A particular focus is expected to be on so-called quasiparticle poisoning and other processes which can cause decoherence in topological quantum bits.

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 or equivalent with a focus on condensed matter theory.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

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.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Very good knowledge of advanced quantum mechanics and condensed matter theory.
• Experience from advanced numerical and analytical calculations, especially with relevance for one or several of the areas quantum transport, superconductivity, topological states and quantum information processing.
• An interest in collaborating with experimentalists is important, and previous experience from such collaborations will be viewed positively.

The research is to a large extent interdisciplinary, and a broad competence profile and experiences from relevant areas of physics, mathematics 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 Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more: http://www.lth.se/index.php?id=71223