Researcher in Physics – bio & quantum optics for medical imaging - 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. This position is aimed at developing techniques for medical imaging utilizing slow light techniques.

Work duties 

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. This position is aimed at developing techniques for medical imaging utilizing slow light techniques.

The objective is to be part of, support and strengthen the current research team to develop, demonstrate and improve the technique for tissue imaging. Specifically this can involve laser spectroscopy/light-matter interaction/advanced optics experiments construction and development of experimental set-ups, software development for data acquisition, data analysis and computer control of experiments, computer simulations, e.g. Monte Carlo simulations, diffusion equation simulations, Bloch equation or Maxwell-Bloch equation simulations, ray tracing.

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 

Qualifications  

Required qualifications for the position are:

• A PhD or equivalent research qualification within the subject of the position. 
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English. 
• Theoretical knowledge and experimental experience in optics, laser physics that can be directly applied in the research group activities.

Additional qualifications for the position:

• - previous experience of laser spectroscopy/light-matter interaction/advanced optics
• - previous experience of hands-on development of experimental set-ups
• - experience from software development for data acquisition, data analysis and computer control of experiments
• - experience of computer simulations, e.g. Monte Carlo simulations, diffusion equation simulations, Bloch equation or Maxwell-Bloch equation simulations, ray tracing
• - general software experience, e.g. with Matlab, Python, Onenote, etc.

Assessment criteria

Given the limited period of employment, it will be particularly important that the person receiving the position, due to appropriate previous experience, can contribute effectively to the activities in the research group already after just a shorter training period.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen the ongoing research within the research group. 

Further information 

Duration of employment 12 months. Latest possible starting date 2022-12-01

How to apply 

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome with your application!