PhD-student position - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description

 The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN is the world’s most powerful accelerator. The ALICE experiment (http://alice-collaboration.web.cern.ch/) is the dedicated heavy-ion detector to exploit the unique physics potential of nucleus-nucleus interactions at LHC energies. Our aim is to study the physics of strongly interacting matter at extreme energy densities, where the formation of a new phase of matter, the quark-gluon plasma (QGP), is expected. The existence of such a phase, and its properties are key issues in QCD. For this purpose, we are carrying out a comprehensive study of particles (mainly hadrons) produced in the collision of heavy nuclei. ALICE is also studying proton-proton (pp) collisions both as a comparison with lead-lead (Pb-Pb) collisions and in physics areas where ALICE is competitive with other LHC experiments. A particularly hot topic is to what degree the same type of physics (QGP?) can be found in small (pp) and large (Pb-Pb) collisional systems.

We are looking for one PhD-student to join us in this research.

Job assignment

 The main task for the doctoral student will be to conduct research education which includes work with research but also advanced course work.

 The successful candidate will work on analysis of ALICE data, in particular of the central barrel with the main tracking detector, the Time Projection Chamber (TPC). Current group research interests include the study and analysis of identified particle spectra, jet quenching and correlations in heavy-ion collisions.

Additionally, some activities connected to R&D for future experiments and/or upgrades of ALICE, could be included.

 The successful candidate would have the possibility to help with supervising Master students.

 The activities are located at the Department of Physics at Lund University. However, frequent visits to CERN will be required, and also some long-term stationing there could be required (and there is additional funding available for this).

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
• students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.
• substantial advanced course work at the Master level, or comparable, including an independent research Project.

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

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only thosewho are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When anappointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shallprimarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed todoctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, inaccordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. Theevaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic andadvanced levels, in particular:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within the research area, such as a broad and thorough preparation in physics. This must be documented by appended documents (e.g., diploma and transcripts).
• Ability to work independently and 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, but also letters of recommendation canillustrate this.
• Skills in written and oral communication.
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience
• The applicant should have experience in programming (C++).
• The applicant should be interested in working in an international environment since a lot of the activities will be at CERN and possibly also at other international laboratories.

  Other assessment criteria:

• We consider good cooperation ability, drive and independent work ability as positive personal attributes.

  The selection of the successful candidate will be based on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, the evaluation criteria indicated above, and the ability to cope with the challenges in the anticipated assignments. Special attention will be given to the master’s project.

 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. 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 a PhD position.

Type of employment

 Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.

Application procedure

Apply online! Applications must contain

• a cover letter in which applicants describe themselves and their particular research interests
• a CV
• a copy of the applicant’s Master’s thesis
• contact details of at least two references (or preferentially ensure that the reference letters are submitted directly to ALICE-PhD-position@hep.lu.se by the references)
• copies of grade certificates
• any other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please submit your applications here: https://lu.mynetworkglobal.com/en/what:job/jobID:218640/

Last day of applying: 2018-08-15 (Wednesday 15th of August, 2018)

Remarks

We ask companies dealing with advertising job openings and staffing companies to refrain from seeking contact with us since we are bound by contracts in the governmental system.

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.

For further information please Contact:

Peter Christiansen and David Silvermyr, ALICE-PhD-position@hep.lu.se