PostDoc in Physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Physics (http://www.sljus.lu.se) is a part of the Department of Physics and has more than 50 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. We also host one of Sweden's largest facilities for scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

MAX IV (http://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 in areas such as materials science, and nanotechnology.

NanoLund (http://www.nano.lu.se) is the Centre for Nanoscience at Lund University. NanoLund is today Sweden’s largest research environment for nanoscience, engaging approximately 270 PhD students and scientists in the Faculties of Engineering, Science, and Medicine. It operates Lund Nano Lab, a state-of-the-art cleanroom for the synthesis, processing, and characterization of semiconductor nanostructures

Postdoc in atomic scale scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy studies of semiconductor nanostructures

Work description
In order to rationally design semiconductor nanostructures with realistic applications in future electronics and photonics, it is crucial to reach a fundamental understanding of their structure-function relationship at length scales from microns to the atomic scale. In nano-objects, surfaces and interfaces are of particular importance, as they often directly define device functionality and strongly influence local physical properties. 

The successful applicant will combine cutting edge scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/S) with the highly advanced Lund III-V semiconductor nano-device platform.  In addition the applicant can use synchrotron based spectroscopy, diffraction and imaging where applicable. The aim is to explore and understand the growth and function of novel nanoscale devices for electronics, photonics and quantum technologies from micrometers down to the atomic scale. Studies can include surface functionalization and growth, atomic scale electronic properties and direct imaging in-situ during electrical operation of the nanostructures. A focus is on surfaces and interfaces of nanoscale objects, which are of particular importance, as they often directly define functionality.  While an emphasis will be on III-V nanowire heterostructures as the fundamental building block, also nanostructures of other (2D or 3D) dimensionality or other material systems (with potential for novel applications in renewable energy and new types of computation) could be investigated.

The research group has access to six fully functioning ultrahigh vacuum STM/AFM systems, several of which are equipped with electrical contacts for in-situ studies of electronic devices and one (newly acquired) also operates at below 10K. Exploring and developing this equipment will be a main part of the work. In addition, experiments will be performed at the MAX IV Laboratory in Lund, the world’s most brilliant synchrotron facility (www.maxiv.lu.se), as well as at other international synchrotron and scanning probe facilities. Finally, experiments will include the use of a variety of other widely used nanoscience characterization and fabrication techniques.

This work will be embedded in the NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se) Center for Nanoscience, a world-leading research center that involves more than 250 scientists from various disciplines working within nanoscience and nanotechnology. The project is supported by major grants from the Swedish Research Council and the Wallenberg Foundation

The main duty 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 successful candidate will interact with experts in manufacturing of semiconductor nanoscale structures and devices to design relevant structures. The work will be performed in collaboration with several other researchers at the institute as well as a number of Ph.D. students and master students.

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD degree, 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 application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

The subject of the doctorate degree should be in physics, chemistry, nanoscience, or equivalent. 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 or related experience, such as mentoring, supervision, or training in equipment use.

Experience in one or several of the following areas will be of extra benefit:

• Scanning Tunneling Microscopy/Spectroscopy (STM/S) with atomic resolution (important);
• Other Scanning Probe microscopies with atomic resolution STM/S experiments on semiconductor (nanostructure) surfaces;
• Experiments on semiconductor surfaces and nanostructures PhotoEmission spectroscopy/microscopy and/or X-ray diffraction/microscopy;
• Synchrotron-based experiments Ultra high vacuum equipment;
• Nanoscale electronic/photonic devices measurements/fabrication;
• Computer analysis of STM/S data;
• Computer analysis of synchrotron based spectroscopy/diffraction/imaging;

Important personal qualities are, beside creativity and a curious mind, the ability to work both independently and in a group, and experience in the scientific interaction with researchers from other disciplines and in other countries.

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
Apply online! The application should contain a covering letter in which applicants describe themselves and their particular research interests, 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 or a link to its freely available online version (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.