Doctoral student in physics with focus on ultrafast processes in solid materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research at the Division of Atomic Physics is centred on different applications of optics and lasers, including atomic and molecular physics with ultrashort light pulses, high-intensity laser-plasma physics, quantum information, and biophotonics. The Division operates the Lund High-Power Laser Facility, including several advanced femtosecond laser systems, with a 10 Hz multi-terawatt laser as a spear head. The division is a central part of a major interdisciplinary research environment within the Lund University, the Lund Laser Centre, LLC. The division is also heavily involved in undergraduate education, especially within the "Photonics programme".

Job assignment
The research concerns driving phase-transitions in solid materials with short-pulse laser and to study the structural dynamics in real time using time-resolved X-ray and electron methods. Such methods include time-resolved reflectivity measurements time-resolved X-ray diffraction experiments and time-resolved electron diffraction experiments. Most of the studies will be experimental but some numerical simulations will also be needed. The work will mainly be carried out at the Lund Laser Center, but also at synchrotron radiation facilities and free-electron lasers. There will be an opportunity to be a user at the new MAX IV beamline “FemtoMAX.

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 can 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 the applicant:

• 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 for third cycle studies in physics if the applicant has:

• at least 30 credits of relevance to the subject, including at least 15 secondcycle credits, and a second-cycle degree project of 15 credits of relevance to the field, or
•  2. 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.

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 and as described in the section “ work assignments”. 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 using both femtosecond lasers and X-ray radiation.
• Knowledge about laser-matter interaction.

We consider good cooperation ability, drive and independent work ability as positive personal attributes. The applicant should be able to work both independently and in groups, and to collaborate with researchers from other disciplines and in other countries. We welcome applications from students who do not have their degree yet but will finish soon and are strongly motivated.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

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.