Post-doctoral position in Theoretical Attosecond Physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Mathematical Physics is a common division between the Natural Science and Engineering (LTH) faculties and it is part of the Department of Physics. Research is conducted primarily in the field of quantum mechanical many particle physics, which includes theoretical nuclear structure physics, nanometer physics, quantum information, atomic theory and material modeling, with numerous partnerships both internationally and within Lund University.

Over the last decades the field of attosecond science has developed into an important branch of modern physics, where electron dynamics in atoms, molecules and solids can be studied and controlled in the time domain using coherent laser pulses and extreme fields from novel light sources, such as High-order Harmonic Generation and Free-Electron Lasers. The rapid developments in attosecond science calls for novel theoretical time-dependent methods for simulations of atoms in strong electromagnetic fields that take relativistic and quantum electrodynamic effects into account. This theoretical work will be carried out at the Mathematical Physics division at LTH with synergy effects from the Atomic Physics division to provide a strong link between experimental and theoretical work in attosecond science.

More information can be found here: http://www.matfys.lth.se/staff/Marcus.Dahlstrom/

Subject description

You will work with state-of-the-art methods to simulate atoms in extreme  fields including relativistic, quantum electrodynamic and electron-electron correlation effects. This will be done by working with the theory for Time-Dependent Configuration Interaction Singles that is based on the Dirac equation. Applications include nonlinear photoionization, spontaneous emission of light from relativistic wave packets in atoms and super radiance from groups of atoms.

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. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to interact with the master students and the PhD students in the research group and contribute to meetings and seminars.

The position is part of a larger project called Ultra-fast superradiant and subradiant effects from atoms with electrons in superposition, which is supported by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation as a Wallenberg Academy Fellow Grant. During this project we will simulate a novel kind of measurement technique called Pulse Analysis by Delayed Absorption (PANDA) that allows for time-frequency measurements of attosecond pulses by photoionization of atoms in time-dependent excited states, but also other measurement techniques and applications in attosecond physics will be considered.

You will work on the development of a state-of-the-art method to simulate atoms in strong laser fields including both relativistic, quantum electrodynamic and electron-electron correlation effects. This will be done by working with the theory for Time-Dependent Configuration Interaction Singles (TDCIS), which is based on the Dirac-Fock potential, rather than the non-relativistic theory, which is based on Hartree-Fock. At your disposal you will have FORTRAN codes for relativistic atomic many-body calculations that are developed in parallel in the grounp using Git. Relativistic theory for absorption of light is an ongoing research topic in the group. Extraction of photoelectron spectra from relativistic TDCIS simulations is another ongoing research topic in the group. In this project quantum electrodynamic effects, such as spontaneous emission from time-dependent atomic states, will be studied with super radiance via coupled atoms and atoms in cavities as possible application.  

The novel methods that are developed in the group will allow for studies of relativistic effects, such as spin-orbit interaction, in photoionization by strong fields, relativistic ion coherences, absorption of light in extreme processes and coupling of excited atoms via polarization effects on the quantum level. 

Link to more information about the PANDA method:
https://journals.aps.org/pra/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevA.94.013411

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:

• The subject of the doctorate degree should be physics within the field of theoretical many-body physics or theoretical attosecond physics.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

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. Included within this category are related experiences such as supervision of undergraduate, MSc and PhD students.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience in advanced programming, parallelization and code development for demanding numerical problems.
• Experience in simulation and analysis of time-dependent and/or correlated quantum processes that require large computational effort using computer clusters.
• Very good communication skills.
• We are looking for a person who is structured, goal-oriented, dedicated to problem-solving, and has good self-awareness.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, 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 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.

We intend to employ 1-2 post-doctoral fellows

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.