Postdoctoral fellow in ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic layer deposition - 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.

Subject description
The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research and the MAX IV Laboratory collaborate within a number of different scientific areas, including the development of the MAX IV beamlines for ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) SPECIES and HIPPIE. During recent years we have been developing a research project that aims at using APXPS to develop a true understanding of the surface physical and surface chemical processes of atomic layer deposition (ALD). Today, ALD is one of the prime methods for thin film growth in several technological areas. The combination of APXPS and ALD research is carried out at the SPECIES and HIPPIE beamlines, but also at other synchrotron radiation facilities and in collaboration with both ALD, spectroscopy and theory experts. SPECIES and HIPPIE are used for experiment to answer question within many different scientific fields, including research into catalysis, nanomaterials, aerosols, batteries, fuel cells and liquids.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion 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.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• to use APXPS in ALD research and to develop her/his own research project within the domain; the postdoctoral researcher is invited to make use of the possibilities for applying other experimental and/or theoretical methods that are offered at MAX IV, the Lund Nano Lab, Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research, other synchrotron radiation facilities, etc.
• to take part in the research group’s activities, such as experiments at various research facilities, data analysis and publication,
• to be a part of the user support group at the SPECIES beamline and, in this way, to engage in the research that is carried out by external users at the beamline and to collaborate with them.

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.
• the candidate must have extensive experience of work with UHV instruments and experiments in UHV,
• the candidate must have extensive experience of ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in ultrahigh vacuum (XPS),
• the candidate must have experience of synchrotron-based spectroscopy and/or diffraction methods such as XPS, NEXAFS spectroscopy or SXRD,
• the candidate must have extensive experience of data analysis, and it is an advantage if she or he has experience of analysis and treatment of large sets of data,
• the candidate must have experience of computer programming and coding.

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:

• experience of other experimental methods for characterisation of surfaces and materials such as AFM, TEM or SEM,
• experience of atomic layer deposition (ALD),
• experience of Igor Pro and/or Python,
• experience of collaboration with theoreticians that make use of DFT or of own DFT work

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 and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.