Doctoral student in Physics with focus on spectroscopy and catalysis - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Combustion Physics is well-established and internationally recognized for its excellence in the development and applications of laser-based methods for characterization of combustion processes. In recent years this research has been extended to other areas and processes. In addition, the division has strong research on development of mechanisms describing the complex chemical kinetics of combustion. The research is conducted together with partners at other departments within Lund University as well as at other academic institutions, national and international laboratories and in industry, both nationally and internationally. The current research facility, the Enoch Thulin Laboratory at the Department of Physics, was inaugurated in 2001 and currently hosts around 50 researchers. http://www.forbrf.lth.se/english/.

Job assignment
A catalyst is a compound which speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed by the process. According to estimates, 90% of the production of all commercially produced chemicals involves catalysts, not to mention the reduction of emissions in industry and the transport sector. This makes the catalyst an important player for sustainability and energy efficiency. Catalysts have been studied extensively over the last decades, but due to its complexity fundamental understanding on an atomistic level at realistic conditions is difficult to realize. Our group has successfully been working on operando techniques for characterization of catalysts and in our work, where we have combined techniques; laser based, synchrotron based and conventional. In that work, the need for simultaneous measurements of several parameters has become obvious. The combination of methods and the scientific outcome thereof is the main focus for the position.

In the intended work, the PhD student will participate in the build-up of a mobile experimental setup for studies of catalytically active samples. The setup will be capable to make spatially resolved measurements of the gas phase close to the active sample using laser-based techniques, such as laser induced fluorescence, and at the same time collect correlated information of the surface using polarization modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy and surface optical reflection. The setup will be unique in the world and the goal is to be able to use the advanced setup together with synchrotron-based techniques at MAX IV in Lund or at other synchrotrons e.g. Petra III at DESY in Hamburg. The work will encompass both technical aspects and direct application of the setup to answer fundamental scientific questions. That means that the work will span over several areas of science such as spectroscopy, optics, laser physics, surface science and catalysis.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

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 for third cycle studies in Physics 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 at least 15 credits of relevance to the field, or
• an MSc 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:
Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Basis of assessment
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily based on academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study, such as a broad and thorough preparation in physics or other relevant subject. This can be documented by appended documents.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. 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. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Programming skills are valued, both for data processing (e.g. Python or MatLab) and experimental control (LabView).
• Experience of laboratory work relevant for the position is valued.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

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 studies. In addition, those appointed to a PhD 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, Chapter 5, 1-7 §§). Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to PhD position.

Application procedure
Apply online. Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, a copy of the applicant’s Master’s 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 you wish to refer to. You are also required to answer the job specific questions as the first step of the application process.

Remarks
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.