Post-doctoral fellow in Physics: Experimental attosecond studies in small quantum systems - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research at the division of Synchrotron Radiation Research (http://www.sljus.lu.se) focus on experimental studies of electronic, structural and chemical properties of materials, for instance on surfaces and interfaces as well as free molecules and clusters. The division is an interdisciplinary research environment, where we use and develop a wide range of synchrotron-based techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy / imaging and X-ray diffraction / imaging.

In recent years, time-resolved studies have been the focus of many research groups to investigate basic processes in small quantum systems, charge dynamics in semiconductors, and catalytic reactions on the surface. Part of the research has been developed in collaboration with the Lund Attosecond Science Center (LASC, http://www.atomic.physics.lu.se/lasc), a world-leading research center in attosecond science. LASC is today Sweden's largest research environment for studies of ultra-fast dynamics in matter and belongs to the Lund Laser Center (LLC).

Subject description
The aim of the project is to investigate the ultra-fast dynamics of processes in small quantum systems, such as atoms, molecules or clusters, using advanced spectrososcopy technology (electron and ion spectrometers). A special focus is on studying the quantum state of attosecond wave packets, which are generated by absorption of attosecond laser pulses. Specific topics for the project include:

1. Studies of ultra-fast dynamics with attosecond pulses in atoms or more complex quantum systems,
2. Development of methods to achieve the highest resolution in spectroscopy, e.g. using molecular or cluster supersonic rays.

Experimental campain will be performed with attosecond light sources at the LASC. In addition, the experiments can be conducted in our laboratory at the Department of Physics to develop and test new supersonic beams prior experimental campaign

The postdoctoral position is part of a project entitled “Attosecond chronoscopy of electron wave-packets probing entanglement and time-ordering of quantum processes”, which is a collaboration between Lund, Gotheborg and Stockholm Universities. The work will be performed in collaboration with several other researchers at the Physics Department.

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 work will include:

• Operation and development of a molecular or cluster of supersonic beams
• Generation of attosecond pulses by harmonic generation in a gas
• Generation and characterization of attosecond wave packets using photoionization.

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.
• Experience in molecular and cluster supersonic beams.

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 in photoelectron spectroscopy or mass spectroscopy
• Experience in harmonic generation or attosecond physics
• Experience in femtosecond laser

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 applyApplications 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