Postdoc position: Nanostructured X-ray scintillators - 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 40 employees. The focus of the research is on experimental studies of electronic, structural, and chemical properties of materials. The Division is developing a new activity focussing on magnetic properties.  At the Division we use and develop a wide range of large facility- and lab-based techniques. We are additionally engaged in the development of the MAX IV Laboratory in the fields of beamlines, experimental stations, techniques for Synchrotron radiation and the accelerator systems. MAX IV (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, structural biology, chemistry and nanotechnology.

NanoLund (http://www.nano.lu.se), formerly known as the Nanometer Structure Consortium, founded in 1988, supports and coordinates activities within nanoscience and nanotechnology at Lund University. NanoLund is today Sweden’s largest research environment for nanoscience, engaging approximately 250 PhD students and scientists in the faculties of engineering, the natural sciences, and medicine at Lund University. Its vision is to bring together the most creative minds in a world-leading interdisciplinary research environment to help overcome society's grand challenges by pushing the frontiers of nanoscience. NanoLund runs Lund Nano Lab (http://www.nano.lu.se/lundnanolab-2), a state of the art facility for nanofabrication.

For more information about the main supervisor of the project, please see: http://www.nano.lu.se/jesper.wallentin

Research project

Scintillators convert X-ray photons into visible light, and form a critical part of X-ray detectors for clinical and industrial applications. Established bulk scintillators have limited spatial resolution, which limits the resolution in X-ray microscopy. This project will use nanofabrication methods to create novel scintillators that could overcome these limitations. Nanostructuring will be used to confine secondary electrons and photons, with the goal to create X-ray detectors with nanoscale spatial resolution.

Work description

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.

This project aims to create and study novel scintillators based on nanofabrication techniques. The work to be done will include synthesis, primarily in the Lund Nano Lab, and characterization in the new X-ray lab. The candidate will have significant freedom and is expected to take initiatives and drive the project quite independently.

Knowledge and experience of X-ray scintillation is not required; this will form a part of the post-doctoral training as required. 

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.

Other requirements:

The subject of the doctoral degree should be in physics or equivalent.

Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focussed on research.  The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject area.

The following shall form the primary assessment criteria:

1. A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
2. Teaching skills, or related experience, such as mentoring, supervision, or training in equipment use.

Additional assessment criteria are:

1. Experience in semiconductor fabrication techniques such as lithography
2. Experience with scintillators
3. Experience in X-ray sources, X-ray detectors and X-ray imaging
4. Experience in optical measurements methods, such as spectroscopy
5. Experience with novel materials such perovskites or nanowires.

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

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset. We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.

Application procedure

Apply online! Applications must contain a cover letter in which applicants describe themselves and their particular research interests. Applications must also include a CV, a copy of the applicant’s PhD 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.