Doctoral student in applied Physics: X-ray imaging instrumentation - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research (http://www.sljus.lu.se) is a part of the Department of Physics and has more than 40 employees. The focus of the research is on experimental studies of electronic, structural, and chemical properties of materials. The Division is developing a new activity focussing on magnetic properties. At the Division we use and develop a wide range of large facility- and lab-based techniques. We are additionally engaged in the development of the MAX IV Laboratory in the fields of beamlines, experimental stations, techniques for Synchrotron radiation and the accelerator systems. MAX IV (http://www.maxiv.lu.se/) is a national large-scale research laboratory hosted by Lund University and situated within biking distance from the Department of Physics. It provides scientists from Sweden and the rest of the world with the most brilliant Synchrotron radiation source and instrumentation for research in areas such as materials science, structural biology, chemistry and nanotechnology.

NanoLund (http://www.nano.lu.se), formerly known as the Nanometer Structure Consortium, founded in 1988, supports and coordinates activities within nanoscience and nanotechnology at Lund University. NanoLund is today Sweden’s largest research environment for nanoscience, engaging approximately 250 PhD students and scientists in the faculties of engineering, the natural sciences, and medicine at Lund University. Its vision is to bring together the most creative minds in a world-leading interdisciplinary research environment to help overcome society's grand challenges by pushing the frontiers of nanoscience. NanoLund runs Lund Nano Lab (http://www.nano.lu.se/lundnanolab-2), a state of the art facility for nanofabrication.

For more information about the main supervisor of the project, please see: https://www.sljus.lu.se/staff/pablo-villanueva-perez

Work duties

X-rays have a unique ability to investigate samples in their natural state, such as cells, proteins in solution or electronic devices potentially at resolutions up to the atomic level. The advent of diffraction-limited storage rings (MAX IV) and X-ray free-electron lasers (European XFEL) have opened a whole new spectrum of applications due to their unprecedented brilliance. This project aims to develop a novel X-ray imaging method, christened X-ray multi-projection imaging, capable of filming processes in 3D, with temporal resolution several orders of magnitude faster than up-to-date 3D X-ray imaging techniques. In particular, the candidate will work on the development of such technique and its application to the study of cellulose fibers, a renewable biomaterial, which can replace fossil-based materials. The developed instrument will be commissioned at two of the brightest sources in the world: MAX IV and the European XFEL.

The project is experimental with a computational component. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Gain understanding of x-ray imaging instrumentation, from X-ray optics to detection components
• Participate in developing and designing a novel X-ray imaging technique that exploits the unique capabilities of MAX IV and the European XFEL.
• Gain hands-on experience on operations and instrument integration techniques at large scale facilities such as MAX IV and the European XFEL.
• Propose and test components suitable for X-ray multi-projection imaging such as X-ray beam splitters, sample environments, and detection schemes.
• Perform experiments on novel biomaterials (cellulose fibers) and address fundamental questions to replace plastics.
• Work in international research collaboration environments.

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:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Other assessment criteria

• Experience in imaging techniques in any part of the electromagnetic spectrum
• Experience in experimental physics and/or X-ray instrumentation is appreciated including optics and detectors
• Experience in optical fibers is appreciated
• Experience in control systems

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:

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.

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 should 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.