Postdoctoral position in in Ultrafast optics and Attosecond Physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The research at the Division of Atomic Physics is centered on different applications of optics and lasers, including atomic and molecular physics with ultrashort light pulses, high-intensity laser-plasma physics, quantum information, and biophotonics. The Division operates the High-Power Laser Facility, including several advanced femtosecond laser systems. It is a central part of a major interdisciplinary research environment within Lund University, the Lund Laser Centre, LLC. The division is also heavily involved in undergraduate education, especially within the "Photonics programme".

At the High-Power Laser Facility, research is performed on the generation and application of extremely short light pulses, in the attosecond and extreme ultraviolet range. The activities span from the development of ultrafast laser technology to extreme nonlinear optics and studies of the electron dynamics in atoms and molecules as well as more complex systems using attosecond light pulses. Ultrafast laser technology, including the development of CEP-stable, few-cycle pulses and of characterisation techniques is a large part of our research.

We offer

You will be part and contribute to a strong research environment in laser- and attosecond physics. Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Subject description

We propose four different projects:

1. Time-resolved studies of atoms, molecules and solids using intense ultrashort laser pulses in the extreme ultraviolet and X-ray spectral region as well as ultrashort, laser-generated, electron pulses. The project includes development, optimization and characterization of a laser-driven source for the generation of attosecond pulses, development and implementation of pump-probe measurement techniques and experiments at the high-order harmonic laboratory of the Lund High-Power Laser Facility and at international free electron laser facilities.
   
   
2. In collaboration with industrial partners, a high repetition rate attosecond pulse source based on an industrial ytterbium femtosecond laser is developed with the goal to optimize the conversion efficiency as well as to tailor the spatial coherence properties to industrial applications, such as semiconductor structure metrology. The candidate will be part of a small research team, including PhD students, and is expected to take a coordinating role within the team.
   
   
3. Lund and Porto University have in collaboration developed the patented dispersion-scan technique for simple and reliable characterisation of ultrashort laser pulses. In a European funded project obtained together with the company Sphere Ultrafast Photonics, the candidate will work on the development of different single-shot dispersion scan implementations as well as the application of machine learning to the mathematical retrieval of the pulse characteristics. The candidate will take a coordinating role in a small research team consisting of a PhD student and a laser engineer.
   
   
4. This project aims at further developing a technique to study coherence in atomic systems using an extended version of transient absorption. Combining transient absorption with opto-optical modulation enables the measurement of both absorption and re-emission simultaneously and thus probe the different coherence times of the ensemble more accurately. The project is mainly experimental work to further develop the technique in close collaboration with theory collaborators.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher educational teaching and learning.

The work will include to different degrees (depending on the project):

• Generation and optimization of attosecond pulses by high-order harmonic generation in gases.
• Development and application of the dispersion scan technique, including mathematical retrieval routines.
• Operation and development of femtosecond lasers. 
• Development and performance of pump-probe studies in atoms, molecules and solids using attosecond pulses, free electron lasers and ultrashort electron pulses.
• Supervision of master degree projects and PhD students.
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies.

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 the use of femtosecond lasers and/or in attosecond physics.

Assessment criteria

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 femtosecond lasers and ultrafast optics, incl. pulse characterisation
• Experience of high-order harmonic generation and attosecond physics
• Experience of free electron laser experiments
• Experience of pump-probe experiments
• Experience of experimental studies of molecular dynamics
• Experience of photoion-/photoelectron spectroscopy
• Other skills, e.g. instrumentation programming, data analysis, vacuum techniques, mechanical design, electronics

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.

Further information

Depending on the applicants’ competences and the number of applicants, we will hire 1-4 postdocs. Each hired postdoc will work with one of the four described projects. This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 3 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”).

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more: http://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/

Welcome with your application!