Doctoral student in physics with a focus on corrosion studies using surface-sensitive X-ray absorption spectroscopy - 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 about 50 employees. The focus of the research is on experimental studies of electronic, structural, and chemical properties of materials, as well as on accelerators and instrumentation for Synchrotron radiation. The division has many connections to the MAX IV laboratory (www.maxiv.lu.se/) situated in Lund, which holds a 4th generation synchrotron as well as to Lund Laser Center (www.llc.lu.se) providing advanced laser sources. In addition, the division host one of Sweden's largest facilities for scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se) is the Centre for Nanoscience at Lund University. NanoLund is today Sweden’s largest research environment for nanoscience, engaging approximately 270 PhD students and scientists in the Faculties of Engineering, Science, and Medicine. It also operates Lund Nano Lab, a state-of-the-art cleanroom for the synthesis, processing, and characterization of semiconductor nanostructures.

Work duties

The project includes studies of electrochemical processes such as corrosion using surface-sensitive X-ray absorption spectroscopy with a focus on the Balder beamline at MAX IV. The studies must be done when the electrochemical process actually takes place in an electrolyte and at an electrochemical potential. Above all, corrosion processes of industrial materials will be studied, with the long-term goal of creating future more corrosion-resistant materials. These materials mainly consist of Ni alloy, stainless steel and aluminum, which we obtain through a collaboration with our industrial partners.

Furthermore, another goal is to create materials model systems to facilitate the interpretation of experiments, especially chromium and chromium oxides are of interest, as these are central to the corrosion resistance of many applied materials

Different types of material evaporation will be used and the samples will be characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and more.

The work will be carried out in collaboration with senior researchers and doctoral students who provide expertise, equipment and materials. The project is a collaboration between Lund University, Malmö University and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.

The main task for a doctoral student is to devote himself to his doctoral education, which includes both participation in research projects and doctoral education courses. The tasks may also include participation in teaching and other departmental work, however, a maximum of 20% of working hours.

Admission requirements

The basic qualifications for postgraduate education are those who:

Graduated at advanced level, or

• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
• in any other way within or outside the country acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.

The requirements for special eligibility for the postgraduate subject physics are met by those who have:

• completed an independent project (eg degree project) in a relevant subject comprising at least 30 higher education credits

The special qualification may also have been obtained through other corresponding training, which is evaluated in each individual case. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives as well as significant specializations in certain areas, qualifications other than the applicant's subject-specific competence in physics may be taken into account.

Finally, it is required that the student is judged to have the ability needed to assimilate the education.

Other requirements

• Very good knowledge of English, in speech and writing, is a requirement.

Desirable merits are experience and skill in

• Synchrotron light-based diffraction or absorption methods, scanning probe microscopy, and electron microscopy
• Electrochemistry
• Surface physics or surface chemistry
• Programming using Matlab / C ++, python or equivalent.
• Scientific collaboration with researchers from other disciplines and from other countries.

Assessment criteria

Selection for postgraduate education takes place according to the assessed ability to assimilate the postgraduate education. The assessment of the ability takes place mainly based on the study results at the undergraduate and advanced level.

The following are considered:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the PhD work and the subject, see tasks. These can be shown through attached documents.
2. Assessed ability to work independently and ability to formulate and tackle scientific problems. The assessment can, for example, be based on the master project and a discussion about this in a possible interview.
3. Ability for written and oral communication.
4. Other experiences relevant to the education at postgraduate level, e.g. professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, forward thinking, independence and personal suitability, as well as how the applicant, through his or her experience and competence, is judged to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral program.

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 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

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.