Doctoral student in Nanoscale Quantum Thermodynamics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Mathematical Physics is a common division between the Natural Science and Engineering (LTH) faculties and is part of the Department of Physics. Research is conducted primarily in the field of quantum mechanical many-particle physics, which includes theoretical nuclear structure physics, nanometer physics, quantum information, atomic theory and material modeling, with numerous partnerships both internationally and within Lund University.

Job assignment

Project description: In electronic systems on the nanometer scale, fluctuations of different physical quantities play a significant role. This applies to both thermal fluctuations and fundamental, quantum mechanical fluctuations. The rapid technological development of controllable nanosystems, together with the theoretical development of new, precise non-equilibrium relationships for fluctuations, has therefore led to an increased interest in thermodynamics on the nanoscale. Particular interest has been directed towards the theoretical description of thermodynamics in systems where the physical properties are determined by quantum physics, the so-called field of quantum thermodynamics. Quantum thermodynamics is of fundamental theoretical interest but also plays a central role in the description of new applications based on quantum physics, in quantum technology. The PhD project consists of examining, describing and modeling a number of phenomena and properties of nanosystems that can be described by theoretical methods in quantum thermodynamics.

Expected tasks: The doctoral student is expected to perform theoretical work in quantum thermodynamics, focusing on electronic properties of nanosystems. It will consist of developing theoretical models for and describing transport and fluctuations of charge and energy in different nanosystems such as quantum dots, nanowires and quantum point contacts. The work will consist of both analytical calculations and numerical simulations. The various theoretical tools can vary between scattering theory, density matrix theory and different path integral formulations of fluctuating quantities. The ambition is to cooperate with experimental colleagues within Lund University and internationally. There will be great scope for the doctoral student to influence both the design of the projects and the degree of analytical vs. numerical work, based on the doctoral student's ability and interest.

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 program.

Other requirements:

Good knowledge in spoken and written English is a requirement.

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.
• A strong merit is both courses and a bachelor/master thesis in theoretical physics, with focus on quantum mechanics, statistical physics and solid state theory. Good programming skills in Python or similar is considered a merit.

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.

Application procedure

Apply online! Applications must contain a covering letter in which applicants describe themselves and their particular research interests. Applications must also include 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 the applicant wishes to refer to. Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions as the first step of the application process.

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.