Post doctoral position in ultrafast optics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

Atomic Physics is one of seven research divisions at the Department of Physics. It has about fifty employees, including fifteen PhD students. The research at the Division of Atomic Physics is centered on different applications of optics and lasers, including atomic and molecular physics with ultrashort light pulses, high-intensity laser-plasma physics, quantum information, and biophotonics. The Division operates the High-Power Laser Facility, including several advanced femtosecond laser systems. It is a central part of a major interdisciplinary research environment within Lund University, the Lund Laser Centre, LLC. The division is also heavily involved in undergraduate education, especially within the "Photonics programme".

At the High-Power Laser Facility, research is performed on the generation and application of extremely short light pulses, in the attosecond and extreme ultraviolet range. The activities span from the development of ultrafast laser technology to extreme nonlinear optics and studies of the electron dynamics in atoms and molecules as well as more complex systems using attosecond light pulses. Ultrafast laser technology, including the development of CEP-stable, few-cycle pulses and of characterisation techniques is a large part of our research.

Subject description

The project aims at further developing the dispersion scan (d-scan) technique for the characterization of ultrashort laser pulses. The d-scan originates from a collaboration between Lund and Porto University and was first proposed in 2011. It is today well-established in many labs around the world and is also commercially available.

You will be part of a project funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC), dedicated to developing novel, single-shot d-scan implementations for the characterization of ultrashort pulses from the visible to the mid-infrared spectral range. Particular focus will be put on the experimental implementation as well as the development of mathematical retrieval routines involving machine learning. The project is performed in collaboration with the deep-tech company, Sphere Ultrafast Photonics, located in Porto.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. You will be part of a small group within a larger research group. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

The work will include to different degrees:

• Development and application of the d-scan technique, including the development of mathematical pulse retrieval routines.
• Operation and development of ultrafast laser sources and their applications, e.g. generation of attosecond pulses and pump-probe experiments.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies.
• Collaboration with industry and wider society.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience in the operation and application of femtosecond lasers.
• Knowledge and experience within the field of ultrafast optics, including pulse characterisation with established methods, such as d-scan, FROG, SPIDER, RABBIT, Streaking or similar.
• Documented experience to perform research in the field of ultrafast optics.

Assessment criteria

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.

Other qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience with mathematical methods in the field of ultrafast optics, including pulse retrieval.
• Experience with the development of ultrafast laser sources.
• Experience with the generation of attosecond pulses and attosecond physics.
• Experience with pump-probe experiments.
• Other skills, e.g. instrumentation programming, data analysis, vacuum techniques, mechanical design.
• Documented autonomy in the field of research.
• Good capability to work as a part of small and large groups.

Consideration will also be given to 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.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of two 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”).

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system (including your PhD certificate). Read more: To apply for academic positions at LTH.

Welcome to apply!