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

PhD-student in physics, within the discipline of nano-optics for nitride materials

The research at the division of Solid State Physics is focused around different aspects of semiconductor physics, ranging from materials science to quantum physics, to different applications. The division also leads NanoLund, the major interdisciplinary research environment within nanoscience and nanotechnology at Lund University. Lund Nano Lab is a central key facility for fabrication of material and devices on the nanoscale. The division is also heavily involved in the undergraduate education, especially within the “Engineering Nanoscience” program.
For the last fifteen years, the research at the division of solid state physics has focused on one-dimensional semiconductor structure, nanowires. The research has been at the international forefront. So far, our three main areas have been: epitaxial growth of nanowires, fundamental properties studied with transport physics and optical physics, and more applied nanoelectronics. During the last decade, one of the main research areas has focused on nitride semiconductors based on nanostructures. The studies are of both fundamental properties and potential device applications. The particular project of the current position is to investigate GaN-based material for power electronics and optoelectronic devices. More information can be found at: www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lth.se,

Work duties
The main task for the doctoral student will be to conduct research education which includes work with research, but also to master graduate courses.

This project will be focused on basic as well as applied research related to electrical and optical properties of semiconductors. The main focus of this position is characterization of fundamental properties of nano-sized nitride structures. There will be two classes of structures. The first class is thin films seeded by nanowires for the use as substrates for power electronics. The second class is 3D nanostructures for use in optoelectronic devices, mainly LEDs. The characterization will focus on the optical properties, exciting the structures by either light (photoluminescence), energetic electrons (cathodoluminescence) or electric current (electroluminescence). Structural characterization can also be used with either scanning or transmission electron microscopy. The characterization is intended for feedback in improving the properties of the structures in the project. The PhD-candidate is expected to work independently, but in collaboration with other researchers, both the ones growing the structures and the ones fabricating devices based on the structures.

Admission 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 whish 60 credits awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

The higher education institution may permit an exemption from the general entry requirements for an individual applicant, if there are special grounds. Ordinance (2010:1064).

A person meets the specific admission requirements 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 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 esitmated ability to accomplish postgraduate studies.

Other requirements:
Very good knowledge in spoken and written English is a requirement.

Assessment criteria
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 this 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 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 expect that your undergraduate studies include courses in physics, solid state physics and quantum physics. The research is both experimental and theoretical in combination and experience from relevant areas of physics are of special value. The ability for skillful laboratory work is essential, including building set-ups, as is experience of computing and programming. Important personal qualities are, beside creativity and a curious mind, the ability to work both independently and in a group with experience in the scientific interaction with researchers. Previous experience in the area, for example as witnessed by a relevant master thesis is an asset. The ability of communicating verbally and in writing in English in also important.

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 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 position.

Instructions on how to apply
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, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions in the final step of the application process.