Docoral student i physics (biophotonics towards coherent scatring from insects) - 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, over the last decade, we developed measurement- and laser radar techniques for surveillance of flying insects in field. The applications include mapping of pests in the landscape and assessment of the biodiversity. We now aim to improve our understanding of coherent light interaction with insects, and by using advanced laboratory instruments measuring the scatter cross section of insects ex vivo and in vivo with the aim of relating to in situ field observations.

Job assignment
Are you curious about the marvelous ways of light in the exotic world of insects? Are you keen to develop light scattering models through creative experiments? Do you strive for a career in biophotonics in a unique research field? Are you driven and dedicated to explore unknown optical phenomena and be a part of a interdisciplinary research team together with lidar engineers and entomologists?

In this project your role will be crucial support for our entomological lidar group in Lund. You will help us develop both static- and dynamical scattering models for coherent light. The project comprise thin film physics and remote retrieval of its properties. In the project you will couple laboratory spectroscopy, polarimetry, goniometry, tomography and modulation spectroscopy to methods from remote sensing. You will work in close collaboration with various entomologist in the Øresund region on applications for pollinators, agricultural- and forestry pests and disease vectors. You will participate in field campaign in the region and globally. Your project will lead to a general model for how insects scatter light as well as the necessary routines for calibrating and standardized estimation the properties across species.

Work duties

• Develop, test and document instrumentation and scattering theory for insects ex- and in vivo.
• Be in charge of programming acquisition control and analysis software
• Carry out polarimetric-, spectral- and infrared- characterization of disease carrying, pollinating and harmful insects.
• Participate in joint field campaigns in the region and globally (max ones per year)
• Sustain interdisciplinary collaborations and facilitate the integration of your domain (physics) with lidar engineering art and applied ecological entomology.
• Contribute to public outreach aspects of the project.

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 will 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 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.

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.

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 and projects.
• Experience on automated otical acquisition
• Experience on signal or image analysis
• Experience on scientific writing
• Interest in entomology 

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 during field campaigns. 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, 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. 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. We would appreciate if you attached a recommendation letter from supervisor confirming independent research projects, for example a master thesis project or practise in a research environment.
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.