Doctoral student in Physics with focus on Atomic and Laser Physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research at the Division of Atomic Physics is centered 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 High-Power Laser Facility, including several advanced femtosecond laser systems. It 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".

At the High-Power Laser Facility, research is performed on the generation and application of extremely short light pulses, in the attosecond and extreme ultraviolet range. The activities span from ultrafast laser technology and extreme nonlinear optics to studies of the electron dynamics in atoms and molecules as well as more complex systems using attosecond light pulses.

Work duties
The student(s) will generate attosecond pulses in the extreme ultraviolet range (30- 100 eV) and use them for different applications.

The job assignments will include 

• Generation, optimization and characterization of attosecond pulses, with high energy per pulse, high repetition rate or at high photon energy
• Study of the ultrafast photoemission dynamics in atomic, molecular or more complex systems using photoelectron spectroscopy with angular resolution
• Participation in the operation and development of an advanced femtosecond laser system and its diagnostics.

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%).

Admission 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 for third-cycle studies in Physics if he or she has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Finally, the candidate must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• The candidate should have a background within optics and photonics and/or atomic physics and quantum mechanics.

Other assessment criteria

• Experience with one of the following subjects: femtosecond lasers, high-order harmonic generation or photoelectron spectroscopy, is a merit.

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:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

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 §§.

We intend to hire 1-2 doctoral students.  

Instructions on how to apply
Applications should be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, a copy of the thesis or equivalent or a summary in case the work is not completed and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

You 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.