Postdoctoral position in Physics – Biomedical optics & Quantum technology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Division of Atomic Physics at the Physics Department, Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University, Sweden has a staff of over 50 researchers including guest researchers and graduate students. The research at the division is mainly based on the use of lasers, ranging from diode lasers to terawatt lasers at the High-Power Laser Facility. Some areas of research are: basic atomic physics including interactions between intense laser-fields and matter and VUV/XUV laser spectroscopy, quantum electronics, quantum information, quantum optics and solid state spectroscopy, applied molecular spectroscopy, laser applications in medicine and biology, and industrial applications. More information can be found at www.atomic.physics.lu.se/.

This announcement is linked to the Quantum Information Group at the Division of Atomic Physics. The group works on the development of hardware for quantum computing and quantum memories and on developing materials where the speed of light can be slowed by 3-5 orders of magnitude for applications in e.g. laser frequency stabilization and medical imaging and treatment.

This work is carried out using inorganic crystals doped with rare earth ions. These materials have unique properties as solid state quantum materials due to their exceptionally narrow optical line widths, which also translates to an ability to remain in quantum superposition states over extended periods of time. The group has been a pioneer in introducing quantum computing and quantum memory schemes in rare-earth-ion-doped crystals. We have pioneered sophisticated structuring of the inhomogeneous absorption profiles of rare earth-ion doped crystals using optical pumping methods. Recently we have used such quantum structures to control the speed of light in the crystals for applications in metrology and biomedical optics. Read more about us at https://www.atomic.physics.lu.se/research/quantum-information/

We offer

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

Development of new techniques for optical deep tissue imaging and medical treatment beyond what is possible today. This project presents a unique opportunity to work at the border between atomic and solid state physics, quantum optics and medical imaging. Our ambition is to make a scientific breakthrough in deep tissue optical imaging.

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 education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

A brief description of the research project for this position follows:
The spatial resolution of tissue diagnostics using optical techniques is limited by the strong light scattering properties of tissue. However, if an ultrasound pulse with frequency fUS is focused in tissue, light with frequency fL traversing a volume occupied by the ultrasound pulse can be tagged by having its frequency shifted to fS = fL+fUS. By analyzing only the frequency shifted light, a spatial resolution equal to the ultrasound focal volume can be obtained. A critical factor is then the ability to discriminate between the light frequency-shifted by the ultrasound and the much stronger non-frequency-shifted light at frequency fL. Based on our techniques to quantum engineer narrowband filters where the group velocity of light is decreased to a few km/s, we have developed strongly frequency discriminating, time-delaying, wide acceptance angle filters that can push deep tissue imaging significantly beyond what is possible today. This can have significant impact as optical imaging has a molecular sensitivity not readily available for conventional medical imaging techniques, such as MRI, X-rays or pure ultrasound. We also aim at, partly in cooperation with researchers in electro-magnetic field propagation, medicine and bioengineering, developing methods reaching even further into tissue using random-laser inspired techniques.

As postdoctoral researcher you may assist in supervision of degree projects and in part also in supervision for postgraduate students. Depending on your experience, we may also offer training in applying for external funding. For the interested candidate we also expect to have outreach projects from which the postdoctoral researcher could collect experience.

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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Extensive experience in experimental laser-based and optical research of relevance for the research project.
• Experience in design of and/or working with research data acquisition and data analysis systems including appropriate software skills.
• Ability to run projects independently and ability to interact efficiently with other members in a research team.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

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 relevant for 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.

Other qualifications:

• Well documented research experience of relevance for the research project area.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department and to the research group, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Further information

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”).

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and should contain a CV including a list of publications, a personal letter with motivation as to why you are interested in the position and in what way the position matches your research qualifications. The application must also contain a copy of the doctoral degree or equivalent, contact information to at least two reference persons and other things that you wish to invoke (copies of grades, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome with your application!