Post-doctoral position in physics with focus on ultrafast laser diagnostics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The development of lasers that deliver ultra-short pulses, especially femtosecond lasers, has enabled significant improvements for a variety of laser-based measurement techniques, but also brand new diagnostic concepts. Ultra-short laser pulses offer a number of very attractive diagnostic features, namely extremely high time resolution, extremely high peak power and a very broad laser emission spectrum. These properties are particularly attractive for nonlinear laser spectroscopic techniques, such as Coherent anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS). Development of rotational CARS based on a combination of femtosecond (fs) and nanosecond (ns) laser pulses, where the CARS signal is detected with high spectral and temporal resolution (simultaneously), is the focus of the present postdoctoral position. The novel hybrid fs-ns-CARS technology, will be used to study the dynamics of Raman coherences, initially in point measurements, but later also in 2-D imaging measurements. Measuring the lifetime of Raman coherences provides information on Raman linewidths, and measuring them for nitrogen in different gas mixtures containing nitrogen and different hydrocarbons is a major task of the project.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The work duties also contain:

• Research within the subject area.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.
• Collaboration with industry and wider society.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above.

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Theoretical and experimental knowledge and experience of rotational CARS for thermometry and species concentration measurements, especially in gas mixtures containing nitrogen and hydrocarbons.
• Knowledge and experience of hybrid rotational CARS concepts in which picosecond (ps) of fs laser pulses are combined with a ns laser pulse, i.e. ps-ns and fs-ns rotational CARS.
• Experience of rotational CARS in flames, especially difussion flames.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Theoretical knowledge about molecular structure for diatomic and small polyatomic molecules is a merit.
• Experience from simulation of molecular spectra is a merit.

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 a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more: http://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/