Post-doctoral fellow in ultra-fast nanoplasmonics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The goal of this project is to understand how the detailed structural and chemical features of nanoplasmonic structures governs their electron dynamics (down to sub-femtosecond and nanometer scales) that in turn determine their functionality. The vision is to significantly improve the properties and thus performance of new earth abundant nanoplasmonic particles, in particular containing Aluminum, for a wide range of applications that aid in a sustainable future.

Our unique advantage is in a combination of competences: We will have Al particles with well characterized structure and photocatalytic performance which we can study using nanometer (nm) resolution Photo Emission Electron Microscopy (PEEM) in combination with ultrafast fs/as lasers as well as the MAX IV synchrotron X-rays. This allows us to probe the excitation, transport, and relaxation of plasmons, hot carriers and phonons with as/fs time and nm spatial resolution as well as measure/control the interface chemical and structural features down to the atomic scale.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more: https://wise-materials.org.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School https://wise-materials.org/research/graduate-school/ , an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

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.

You will be responsible for designing, planning, and carrying out experiments independently, including development of project ideas. Supervision of graduate or postgraduate students may also be part of the work duties.

The position is placed at Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research (www.sljus.lu.se ), Department of Physics. Central will be significant collaborations within the large interdisciplinary environment NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se) and can include use of facilities at Lund Laser Center (www.llc.lu.se ) and MAX IV (www.maxiv.lu.se ).

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.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Doctoral degree within engineering, physics, materials science, photonics, or a related subject
• Hands-on experience with Photo Emission Electron Microscopy and/or femtosecond laser systems

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:

• The ability to develop and conduct high quality research in the project area.
• Teaching skills or related experience, such as mentoring, supervision, or training in equipment use.

Additional assessment criteria are experience and knowledge of:

• PhotoEmisison Electron Microscopy using ultrashort laser pulses.
• Nanoplasmonics
• Modelling nanoparticles for light-matter interaction, especially plasmonic effects
• Manufacturing of nanoplasmonic structures,
• Other types of electron microscopy/spectroscopy

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 (initially 2 years with the possibility for extension of 1 year). 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 in particular related to the present project (no more than two pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.