Doctoral student in Physics with a focus on the fabrication of nanoarchitected materials with holographic approaches - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research (www.sljus.lu.se), with more than 50 PhD students and researchers, is part of the Department of Physics. Its research covers experimental studies of the formation as well as structural, electronic, magnetic, and chemical properties of materials, including a wide range of techniques at large-scale facilities. 

NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se) is a government-funded strategic research area at Lund University, engaging approximately 150 PhD students and 250 researchers in the Faculties of Engineering, Science, and Medicine. It operates Lund Nano Lab, a state-of-the-art cleanroom for the synthesis, processing, and characterisation of compound semiconductor nanostructures.

The Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, https://wise-materials.org) is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at six of Sweden’s leading universities over the course of (at least) 10 years. The aim is to create the conditions for a sustainable society by researching the next generation of eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. WISE is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

As a PhD student on this project, you will be a member of the newly established group led by assistant Prof. Matias Kagias. The main focus of the group is to study the relationship between structure and function of advanced nanoarchitected metamaterials. As part of WISE the group aims at harnessing the unique properties of nanoarchitected metamaterials for the development of sustainable technologies. The group aims at developing 3D lithographic methods for fabricating complex nanostructures and characterizing them with a combination of X-ray imaging and scattering methods under operando conditions.

Work duties

Your main task will be to initiate and establish nanofabrication activities relating to nanoarchitected metamaterials at the NanoLund cleanroom facilities. You will investigate possible fabrication pathways based on 3D interference of light, uncover limitations in term of the structural and morphological design space, and gain a deep understanding of the physics of the manufacturing process to obtain a high control over the resulting material properties.

Tasks:

- Establish fabrication methods of nanoarchitected materials at the NanoLund cleanroom.

- Development of design framework for hierarchical nanostructured materials with 3D lithographic approaches.

- Design and implement in situ characterization experiments at MAXIV to understand the structure, morphology, and behaviour of functional nanoarchitected materials.

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%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• 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 he or she has:

• passed an independent project (e.g.degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject

Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programmes will be assessed individually. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Physics may be considered for admission.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Strong background in optics and electromagnetics.

Other assessment criteria

• Hands-on experience with electromagnetic simulations (FDTD etc.)
• Programming skills (python, MATLAB, etc.).
• Understanding of optical metamaterials.
• Hands-on nanofabrication experience (ebeam/photo lithography, photoresists processing, dry etching) is a merit.
• Interest in polymer chemistry is a merit.

Basis of assessment

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:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

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.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral student position. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years. Teaching and other departmental duties will extend the position correspondingly, up to maximum 5 years (20%). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall 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 your master thesis or equivalent, or a summary in case the thesis work is not yet finished, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.