Doctoral student in Physics within Microwave Quantum Optics and Detectors - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The research at the division of Solid State Physics within the Physics Department is focused around different aspects of nanophysics, ranging from materials science to quantum physics and different applications. The division plays a central role in NanoLund, the major interdisciplinary research environment within nanoscience and nanotechnology at Lund University, and it hosts Lund Nano Lab, a central key facility for fabrication of material and devices on the nanoscale. The division is also heavily involved in the undergraduate education, especially within the “Engineering Nanoscience” program. 

A significant part of the research at our division is in the area of semiconductor quantum devices, where we develop new methods and functionalities for quantum technology. Quantum technology is a new research direction that builds on the fundamental physical laws governing the microscopic world. It provides conceptually new capabilities with radical improvements, in terms of capacity, sensitivity and speed, of applications in a broad range of areas such as information processing, material science and electronics. More information can be found at: www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lu.se, https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/ville-maisi, https://www.lth.se/english/article/measurement-of-microwave-photons-could-reveal-mysteries-of-the-universe/  

Work duties

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%).

This specific position focuses on performing quantum optics experiments and aims to build photodetectors for microwave photons and gain access to the statistical properties of the photons. The microwave photons mediate coherent interactions as well as form the readout method for the main solid-state approaches to quantum technology ranging from superconducting qubits to spin qubits. As a PhD student in this position, you will get hands-on experience in quantum device fabrication in Lund Nano Lab, perform measurements on them and develop physics understanding of their operation. You will work as an important member of our research team in collaboration with other research groups in Lund and other high-ranking international universities. The work provides a good mix of fundamental physics concepts and technology-oriented mindset to build new sensors.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Device fabrication in cleanroom environment in the Lund Nano Lab.
• Transport and high-frequency microwave measurements, including programming of measurement scripts.
• Analysis of the measurement results to gain understanding on their operation and to design new devices.
• Writing scientific publications

The purpose of the PhD project is to build a microwave photodetector and measure microwave signals and their statistics at the level of individual photons. In addition, the position may include development of various other optics type components in the microwave domain and fundamental studies of quantum measurements. The PhD student is expected to work independently as well as in close collaboration with the other partners in the project.

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:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

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.

Other assessment criteria:

• Knowledge of quantum device physics and/or quantum optics
• Experience on programming (for example MATLAB or Python)
• Ability to think creatively and/or analytically
• Ability to do skilful laboratory work 

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.

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. 

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 §§.

How to apply

Applications must 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, a copy of the master thesis or equivalent or a summary of the thesis work if the thesis has not yet been finished, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions in the final step of the application process.

Welcome to apply!