PhD student in Physics regarding 3D-printed optical instrumentation - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Our division in the Enoch Thulin laboratory counts approximately 60 employees. During the recent years also hosting the group of applied molecular spectroscopy and remote sensing with applications within environmental monitoring and biophotonics, http://www.llc.lu.se/research-fields/research-fields/environmental-monitoring/. In this subject, using engineering arts, we strive to solve problems in optical measurement techniques in the simplest, most elegant-, cost efficient- and realistic way. For decades we have collaborated with the International Science Program (ISP) at Uppsala University and the African Spectral Imaging Network in order to promote applied physics on advanced level in Africa. In particular we focus on building-, calibration- and application of realistic optical instrumentation.

Job assignment
Do you consider yourself more inventive and crafty than the average? Are you keen to realize advanced physics concepts where it matters? Would you prefer to adapt instruments to our colourful world rather than the opposite? Do you mind to share, explain, inspire and develop pedagogical skills in a creative environment?

In this project you will aid the African Spectral Imaging Network (AFSIN) building their own scientific instruments within biophotonics and optical spectroscopy. The applications address local problems within medical diagnostics, crop analysis and environmental monitoring. Realistic instrumentation is about applying advanced knowledge of light-tissue interaction to solve societal problems in simplest and most clever way. The projects enable African master- and PhD-students to create their own instrumentation crucial for their project and for Africa’s future generation of scholars. The position is within a creative environment employing latest trends in 3D printing, table-top CNC, smartphones, drones, Raspberry Pi microprocessors and within the open source and open hardware initiatives. It will not only enable African scientists in craftsmanship but position yourself as an attractive inventor for industry or creative scientist in academics.

Work duties

• Develop, test and document novel prototypes for applied optical instrumentation.
• Be in charge of programming acquisition control and analysis software.
• Prepare material and logistics for research workshops on-site in Africa (at least once per year).
• Participate in joint research and measurements campaigns on-site in Africa (at most once per year).
• Engage and support capacity building of young African physicists within applied optical spectroscopy.
• Contribute to public outreach aspects of the project.

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

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.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Other requirements

• Good knowledge in spoken and written English.
• Relevant advanced courses on optics, spectroscopy, imaging, photonics, and instrumentation or measurement techniques.
• Having pursued independent research projects, for example a master thesis project.

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

• Experience in biophotonics and spectroscopy, courses or projects.
• Experience in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing.
• Documented craftmanship in mechanics and electronics.
• Programming experience with Raspberry, Mindstorm or Arduino.
• Knowledge about Open Source Hardware.
• Skills in French or Spanish language.
• Experience of organizing events or summer schools (e.g., from scouts, student union or similar).

We especially emphasize your personal character. You are expected to be fascinated and curious regarding cultures, nature and science as well as having a high tolerance and appreciation for simple working conditions in developing countries. Consideration will also be assigned to collaborative skills, drive and independence.

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), 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. Application must contain a covering letter in which you describe yourself and your particular research interests. Application must also include a CV, a copy of your 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 the you wishes to refer to. You are also required to answer the job specific questions as the first step of the application process.

Your are encouraged to attach diploma with grades, recommendation letters and any material confirming relevant experience.

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.