PhD student position in Nuclear Physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Job assignments

The Division of Nuclear Physics at the Department of Physics at Lund University covers a broad spectrum of basic and applied nuclear and environmental physics research. Within the Division, the experimental nuclear structure group focuses on the basic existence and structure of nuclei far from the line of stability. This research line combines cutting-edge modern experimental techniques to separate and identify the nuclei of interest while applying high-resolution charged-particle and gamma-ray spectroscopy methods to access their internal structure. The working environment sees international collaborations within which we conduct experiments at international large-scale accelerator facilities.

One of our long-term efforts is to prepare and conduct high-resolution charged-particle and gamma-ray spectroscopy experiments on slow and fast radioactive ion beams at the European FAIR-NUSTAR facility, where we plan to employ modern radiation detection systems like the Lundium decay station (https://kaw.wallenberg.org/en/research/studying-worlds-heaviest-elements). The development, installation, and commissioning of an anti-Compton shield for the Lundium germanium detectors is at the core of the thesis work.

Active participation on nuclear physics experiments is the second crucial part of the PhD work, following preparations at Lund as well as at the respective international particle accelerator site. This includes subsequent data analysis, physics interpretation, and presentation of the scientific results, written and orally.

The candidate is also expected to engage in teaching activities of the Division, thereby building up pedagogical skills in parallel. The time spent in teaching activities can prolong the period of PhD appointment.

Eligibility/Entry Requirements

A formal requirement for doctoral studies in physics is:

• a university degree on advanced level within a related field, such as a Master's degree in physics or equivalent, or
• substantial advanced course work at the Master level, or comparable, including an independent research project.

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

Other assessment criteria:
Basic skills in handling GNU/Linux operating systems as well as C and C++ programming are required. The candidate needs to be comfortable with control version systems. Documented experience with numerical modeling and programming as well as Python and bash scripting is considered a surplus, likewise experience with multi-parameter data acquisition systems.

Very good skills in written and spoken English is another requirement. Knowledge in German is considered a surplus, as well as work experience within international research collaborations. The successful applicant should expect to spend time at foreign accelerator laboratories.

Basis of Assessment

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in postgraduate 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:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within the research area.
• 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.
• Skills in written and oral English.
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies.

Other assessment criteria are good cooperation ability, drive and independent work ability as positive personal attributes. The candidate is expected to be able to work cooperatively within the environment of the local research group and international collaborations at large-scale accelerator facilities.

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.

The official record number should be clearly stated in all correspondences. It is requested to use the online application forms, eventually including links to complementary documents such as theses or scientific publications.

Appointment Procedure

Apply online!

The official record number should be clearly stated in all correspondences. It is requested to use the online application forms, eventually including links to complementary documents such as theses or scientific publications.

The application must include:

• Cover letter for the application detailing your personal qualifications and motivation for the position by referring to job assignments and assessment criteria (maximum one A4 page).
• CV (maximum two A4 pages).
• Merits, including a list of publications.
• Certified documentation of undergraduate and graduate study results in Swedish or English.
• Two reference persons who can be contacted by Lund University. Briefly describe your association with them and provide their contact addresses.
• Applicants 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.