Postdoc position: Nanoscale X-ray 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 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

X-rays have a unique ability to investigate samples in their natural state, such as live cells, proteins in solution or electronic devices in operation. Using state of the art optics, X-rays can now be focused to below 100 nm. This project will study the interaction of X-rays with semiconductor nanostructures.

The project will develop methods to study semiconductor nanodevices at high spatial resolution. Possible studies include for instance X-ray detection, X-ray diffraction of operational devices, and phase transitions. The candidate will have significant freedom to influence the direction of the project, and is expected to take initiatives and drive the project quite independently.

The project will create nanostructured devices, for instance single nanowire devices, using electron beam lithography, metal evaporation and other nanofabrication tools. The candidate will have access to the Lund Nano Lab (http://www.nano.lu.se/facilities/lund-nano-lab-(lnl)/about-lnl), which has world class facilities for nanodevice fabrication. There are also ample opportunities for collaboration with groups focused on synthesis and device fabrication in the NanoLund network.

Nanostructures will initially be characterized using electrical and optical methods. Subsequently, the devices will be investigated using nanofocused X-ray beams at the Nanomax beamline at the new MAX IV synchrotron, as well as at PETRA-III in Germany, ESRF in France and possibly other international synchrotron facilities.

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.

The candidate will have significant freedom and is expected to take initiatives and drive the project quite independently.

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.

The degree does not have to be completed at the time of 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 focused 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 (not in order of importance):

1. Experience in synchrotron X-ray analysis
2. Experience in semiconductor fabrication techniques
3. Experience in X-ray sources, detectors, diffraction and imaging
4. Experience with novel materials such perovskites or nanowires.
5. Experience in semiconductor physics, as well as optical and electrical characterization of semiconductors.
6. Experience in programming and data analysis

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.