Post-doctoral fellow in Physics Nanoscale X-ray diffraction for ferroelectric domain dynamics - 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 more than 50 employees. The focus of the research is experimental studies of electronic, structural and chemical properties of materials, accelerators for Synchrotron radiation and instruments and methods for Synchrotron radiation. At the Division we use and develop a wide range of Synchrotron- and lab-based techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy/imaging and X-ray diffraction/imaging. We also host one of Sweden's largest facilities for scanning probe microscopy. 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.

Subject description
The postdoc project will develop nanoscale X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods to image domain dynamics in ferroelectric materials. These are characterized by the existence of domains in which there is an aligned polarization, similar to the aligned magnetic domains in ferromagnetics. Ferroelectric materials are used and developed for a wide range of applications, such as memories and computations. The ferroelectric behavior is largely governed by the dynamics of the domains, which have a size in the range of tens of nm to several micron.

In recent years, the spatial resolution of nanoscale X-ray diffraction methods has become sufficient to image individual domains, giving a unique possibility to study their dynamics for instance during switching. The NanoMAX beamline at the MAX IV synchrotron, the world’s first fourth-generation synchrotron, offers a unique combination of high flux and spatial resolution with excellent facilities for in situ studies.

The position is a collaboration between the NanoLund, the division of Synchrotron Radiation Research (SRR) and the NanoMAX beamline at MAX IV. The postdoc will spend 50% of the time at NanoLund & SRR performing research within the project, and 50% at NanoMAX working with beamline development and user support.

The postdoc will collaborate with various groups synthesizing ferroelectric materials and devices, primarily within the NanoLund research center. In particular, the postdoc will develop methods and beamline instrumentation for in situ imaging of the ferroelectric domains during switching. The candidate will have significant freedom to influence the direction of the project, and is expected to take initiatives and drive the project quite independently.

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

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 date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. The subject of the doctoral degree should be in physics or equivalent. The PhD degree does not have to be completed at the time of application.

Additional requirements:

• Very good spoken and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
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, or related experience, such as mentoring, supervision, or training in equipment use.

For the present position, extensive experience in X-ray diffraction is essential. Experience with programming and data analysis is also important.

Knowledge of nanoscale X-ray methods and ferroic materials is advantageous, but not a strict requirement.

Additional assessment criteria are (not in order of importance):

1. Experience with ferroelectrics or other ferroic materials
2. Experience with nanoscale and coherent X-ray methods
3. Experience with other X-ray methods

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.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum 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”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.