Doctoral student in Physics, focus on accelerator physics - 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).

Work duties

Machine learning tools applied to linacs and FELs

Machine learning (ML) is becoming an important tool in accelerator facilities to help the accelerator physicists setting up the machines, to control operations and recently to enhance existing diagnostics via virtual tools.

Free-electron lasers (FELs) are driven by high brilliance linear accelerators and require a high degree of control which sometimes is not even possible with state-of-the-art diagnostics. At MAX IV the linear accelerator is being prepared for driving a proposed soft X-ray FEL.

The idea of the project is to implement machine learning tools into existing accelerator diagnostics, to train the algorithms and increase their resolution. The goal is also to set-up parasitic measurements that are non-destructive and can be used as on-line tools.

The project thus includes ML, AI algorithms, accelerator simulations and collecting data from existing diagnostics at operating accelerators. Measurements to produce training datasets can be done either at MAX IV and/or, trough collaborations, in other European facilities, will be coupled with simulations. Therefore the PhD thesis will have both experimental and numerical modelling aspects and there will be possibilities to participate in experimental campaigns for example at FLASH/DESY in Hamburg and/or at  FERMI/Sincrotrone Trieste in Italy.

Such software instruments will be essential in future FEL facilities and other accelerator based light sources to have an efficient and fast set-up, a reliable tuning and fast switching between operation modes. The project can also envision some applications in one of the two rings at MAX IV.

In addition, machine learning is starting to become a tool in the detection of faults and machine protection, and although this is not the scope in this project, productive synergies will be established with other groups at the MAX IV facility and in other laboratories, such as ESS.

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:

• Basic knowledge of accelerator physics
• Good knowledge of Python, Matlab or other programming codes
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Flexibility and openness in group work

Other assessment criteria

• Experience with machine learning algorithms is an advantage
• Experience of accelerator operation is an advantage

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:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• 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.

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 or Swedish 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.