PhD position in Physics; Accessing high pressure and low temperature states of exotic magnetism - 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.

Job assignment

The interactions of electrons in materials are a rich and complex source of physical problems, in part due to the problems of dealing with the large number of many-body interactions.  These interactions give rise to fundamentally quantum mechanical states such as superconductivity and magnetism.  New quantum states of matter are being uncovered on a regular basis.  External perturbations are able to drive a magnetic state into a new phase, providing vital information on the internal exchange interactions. 

This project will focus on the application of pressure, primarily for use in inelastic neutron scattering experiments.  While this has been done, there are a number of problems due to the conflict between the required sample size for neutron scattering, and the constraints on applying a uniform pressure to a large sample.  The neutron brilliance at the new European Spallation Source in Lund will greatly exceed existing sources providing new scientific opportunities. 

You will work with a team at Lund University and at the European Spallation Source, to investigate the effects of high pressure on magnetic materials.  The potential subjects will include studies of low-dimensional model magnetic systems, the effect of pressure on multiferroic materials (where there is interplay between magnetic and other, e.g. electric, degrees of freedom), and frustrated magnets, where the geometrical arrangement of the atoms constrains the physics.

You will start by learning how to make and characterise materials, and will then progress to participate in testing of high pressure cells at neutron facilities in Europe.  The cells will eventually be optimized for use at ESS and you will be involved in early experiments there. 

Your main tasks will be to conduct research education; this includes research work, but also graduate courses.  Participation in appropriate PhD schools is offered.

The supervisor for this project will be Elizabeth Blackburn.

Entry requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements if he or she has

• at least 30 credits of relevance to the subject, including at least 15 second-cycle credits, and a second-cycle degree project of 15 credits of relevance to the field, or an MSc in engineering in engineering physics or
• an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Furthermore, the acceptance is based on the estimated ability to accomplish postgraduate studies.

Other requirements:

A good knowledge of spoken and written English is required.

Basis of assessment

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within the research area, such as a broad and thorough preparation in physics. This can be documented by appended documents.
2. Estimated ability to work independently and the ability 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.
3. Skills in written and oral communication.
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

We consider good cooperation ability, drive, and independent work ability as positive personal attributes, as well as creativity and a curious mind.

For the present position, an interest in magnetic materials and neutron scattering is important.  A strong interest in laboratory work is desired; training on the relevant techniques will be provided as a part of your education.

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 of full time studies. 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 PhD positions.