Doctoral student in Physics with a focus on magnetic materials - 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.

Work duties

The interactions of electrons in materials are a rich and complex source of physical problems, in part due to the problems of dealing with the large number of many-body interactions.  These interactions give rise to fundamentally quantum mechanical states such as superconductivity and magnetism.  New quantum states of matter are being uncovered on a regular basis.  External perturbations are able to drive a magnetic state into a new phase, providing vital information on the internal exchange interactions. 

The main research topic of this position is the investigation of how magnetic behaviour can be controlled via electric fields in certain materials due to their chemical structure.  Such materials are called magnetoelectrics.  If the chemical structure lacks certain symmetry elements, a permanent electric polarization may develop, and this may be tied to the magnetic structure, in which case changing one alters the other.

This project will involve making materials and then testing them with a variety of different experimental tools.  Training will be provided in sample growth, crystallography (both X-ray and neutron), magnetometry, and more advanced neutron scattering techniques.  Some of the experimental work will be carried out at large-scale facilities around the world. This project is a part of SwedNESS, a national graduate school for Neutron research in Sweden. Please see the link for more information http://swedness.se/.

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:

• passed an independent project (e.g.degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject

Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programmes will be assessed individually. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Physics may be considered for admission.

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

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in 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 the thesis project and the subject of the study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. 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.

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 §§.

Applications may 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, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

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.