Doctoral student in Physics within the discipline of development of next generation Ga2O3 material for power electronics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Work place description

The PhD position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, where extensive research is carried out centered on various aspects of nanophysics, ranging from materials science to bio- and quantum physics to various applications. The division is a central part of Nanolund, Lund University´s large interdisciplinary research centre on nanoscience and nanotechnology. The division includes Lund Nano Lab, a central and shared facility for the production of materials and components at the nanoscale. The divison has a strong commitment to undergraduate education, not least in the Master of Science in Engineering Nanoscience programme at LTH.

For the last twenty years our research in fabrication and advanced characterization of wide bandgap semiconductors has been in the international forefront. Most notably, we are currently directing a Vinnova competence center where we develop next generation high frequency and power electronics together with leading Swedish industrial partners.

More information can be found at: https://c3nit.se/ ,  www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lu.se

Work duties

High current-voltage ratings, reliability and relatively low cost are key factors in future semiconductor materials needed to achieve green energy systems, which could be enabled by next-generation Ga2O3 materials for power electronics. Although Ga2O3 is considered one of the most promising materials for this application, there are challenges in controlling defects at high growth rates. Moreover, the low thermal conductivity of Ga2O3 is a major obstacle for practical applications as it can lead to overheating at high current and high voltage operation.

Therefore, the objectives of the doctoral project are to develop

• A MOCVD method for defect-free growth of Ga2O3 materials at high growth rates.
• Growth in thin films that can be transferred to materials with higher thermal conductivity.

The project will also include characterisation of defects and free charge-carrier properties using THz optical Hall effect and THz electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) ellipsometry.

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 programs 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:

• 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.

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 (see “Work Duties”). These can be demonstrated through attached documents.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. The assessment can be based, for example, on the degree project and a discussion about it during a possible interview.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other merits:

• Experience in MOCVD growth.
• Practical experience in characterizing defects in epitaxial III oxides or nitrides.
• Experience in electrical and structural characterization of Ga-based materials.
• Knowledge of semiconductor physics.
• Knowledge of electronic semiconductor devices.

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 doctoral studies may be employed as doctoral students. The doctoral programme is four years of full-time study. In the case of teaching and other departmental work, employment is extended accordingly, up to a maximum of five years (i.e. a maximum of 20%). Employment as a doctoral student is regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications must be written in English. The application must include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the research project matches your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, a copy of the thesis or the equivalent, alternatively a summary if the work has not been completed, as well as anything else you wish to refer to (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.

Welcome to apply!