Doctoral student in Physics with the focus on laser driven particle acceleration - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research at the Division of Atomic Physics deals with various applications of optics and lasers, such as atomic and molecular physics with ultra-short light pulses, high-intensity laser plasma physics, quantum information and biophotonics. The division operates a high-power laser facility, with several advanced femtosecond laser systems, including a multi-terawatt laser.

The division is part of an interdisciplinary research environment within Lund University, Lund Laser Center, LLC. The department is also strongly involved in undergraduate education, especially in a photonics program.

The current doctoral position concerns experimental research in the field of laser-driven particle acceleration at the high-power laser facility.

Work duties

The doctoral position mainly concerns experimental research on laser-driven acceleration of electrons to high energies, utilization of strong field gradients in laser-produced plasmas, and generation of intense X-rays utilizing these electron pulses. The research will also include experiments that take advantage of the unique properties of these rays, e.g. the extremely short pulse lengths of the electron and X-ray pulses, within e.g. applied radiotherapy. Next year, the multi-terawatt laser system will see a major upgrade. The new laser, which is phase-stabilized and based on optical parametric amplification, will enable unique studies of high-intensity laser physics using sub-10 fs laser pulses at up to 100 Hz repetition rates. The research is an integral part of an ongoing successful and long-term research program at the Department of Atomic Physics. The majority of the work is located at Lund's High-Power Laser Laboratory, but some experiments may also involve shorter stays at foreign laser facilities.

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 may 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 the applicant:

• 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 the applicant has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good knowledge in the field of optics
• Good ability to work both independently and in a research team.

Assesment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student´s potential to profit from such studies.  The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basic of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other assessment criteria

• Experimental and/or theoretical experience in one or more of the following subjects is an advantage: femtosecond lasers, high power lasers, plasma physics and particle.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and personal eligibility, 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, or a copy of the master thesis or a summary thereof in case it isn’t finished, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

You are also asked to answer the job specific questions.