Researcher in Surface characterization of semiconductor heterostructures - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Physics (www.sljus.lu.se) is a part of the Department of Physics and has more than 50 employees. The focus of the research is experimental studies of electronic, structural and chemical properties of materials, accelerators for Synchrotron radiation and instruments and methods for Synchrotron radiation. At the Division we use and develop a wide range of Synchrotron- and lab-based techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy/imaging and X-ray diffraction/imaging. We also host one of Sweden's largest facilities for scanning probe microscopy. We are additionally engaged in the development of the MAX IV Laboratory in the fields of beamlines, experimental stations, techniques for Synchrotron radiation and the accelerator systems.

NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se) is the Centre for Nanoscience at Lund University. NanoLund is today Sweden’s largest research environment for nanoscience, engaging approximately 270 PhD students and scientists in the Faculties of Engineering, Science, and Medicine. It operates Lund Nano Lab, a state-of-the-art cleanroom for the synthesis, processing, and characterization of semiconductor nanostructures.

Subject description
In order to rationally design semiconductor nanostructures with realistic applications in future electronics and photonics, it is crucial to reach a fundamental understanding of their structure-function relationship at length scales from microns to the atomic scale. In nano-objects, surfaces and interfaces are of particular importance, as they often directly define device functionality and strongly influence local electrostatics and strain fields. 

This project aims to study the structure and influence of semiconductor nanostructure surfaces and interfaces by combining cutting edge scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/S) with the highly advanced Lund III-V semiconductor nano-device platform. In addition, synchrotron based spectroscopy will be involved. The aim is to explore and understand the growth and function of novel nanoscale devices for electronics, photonics and quantum technologies from micrometers down to the atomic scale. Studies can include surface functionalization and growth, atomic scale electronic properties and direct imaging in-situ during electrical operation of the nanostructures. A focus is on surfaces and interfaces of nanoscale objects, which are of particular importance, as they often directly define functionality.  While an emphasis will be on III-V nanowire heterostructures as the fundamental building block, also nanostructures of other (2D or 3D) dimensionality or other material systems (with potential for novel applications in renewable energy and new types of computation) could be investigated.

The research group has access to six fully functioning ultrahigh vacuum STM/AFM systems, several of which are equipped with electrical contacts for in-situ studies of electronic devices and one (newly acquired) also operates at below 10K. Results obtained at the MAX IV Laboratory in Lund, the world’s most brilliant synchrotron facility (www.maxiv.lu.se), as well as at other international synchrotrons will also be involved.

This work will be embedded in the NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se) Center for Nanoscience. The successful candidate will interact with experts in manufacturing of semiconductor nanoscale structures and devices to design relevant structures. The work will be performed in collaboration with several other researchers at the institute as well as a number of Ph.D. students and master students.

Work duties
The succesful candidate is supposed to perform research within the subject area. More specifically, the work duties include the following three projects:

• Analysis of X-ray photoemission spectroscopy data from high-k dielectric thin films on InAs
• Performing and analysing STM/S experiments on InGaAs nanowires
• Creating hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) layers on metal and semiconductor surfaces, image these structures by scanning probe microsocpy, and analysing the data.

Teaching is not included in this project.

Qualification requirements
Applicants must have:

• A PhD or equivalent research qualification within the subject of the position.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Due to the short duration of the project, the applicant must already have hands-on experience in scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject and on previous experience that helps to perform the described work duties within the short duration of the project.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 months. Preferred start date is 2020-06-01.

Instructions on how to apply
Apply online. Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

a cover letter in which applicants describe themselves and their particular research interests, including contributions to the described research project (maximum 2 pages) CV and publication list

• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.