Doctoral student in Physics: Ultrafast Electron dynamics imaged to the nanoscale - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Physics (www.sljus.lu.se) is a part of the Department of Physics and has about 60 employees. The focus of the research is on experimental studies of electronic, structural, and chemical properties of materials, as well as on accelerators and instrumentation for Synchrotron radiation. The division has many connections to the MAX IV laboratory (www.maxiv.lu.se/) situated in Lund, which holds a 4th generation synchrotron as well as to Lund Laser Center (www.llc.lu.se) providing advanced laser sources.

NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se) is the Centre for Nanoscience at Lund University. NanoLund is today Sweden’s largest research environment for nanoscience, engaging approximately 270 PhD students and scientists in the Faculties of Engineering, Science, and Medicine. It also supports Lund Nano Lab, a state-of-the-art cleanroom for the synthesis, processing, and characterization of semiconductor nanostructures.

Work duties

The project center on studies of dynamics of photoexcited electrons down to atomic length and time scales. This will be done through excitation by advanced light sources such as ultrafast lasers combined with the use of PhotoElectron microscopy/spectroscopy. A broad range of nanostructures, surfaces and devices can be explored, with a focus on entanglement and coherence but also applications such as in novel computing schemes.

Compound semiconductor nanostructures and surfaces constitute a central sample platform which is unique due to its wide range of highly reproducible atomically precise complex lateral and vertical heterostructures. The can be combined with a range of interesting materials such as molecular dyes or pure elements evaporated in ultra high vaccum. The successful candidate will work on imaging by PhotoEmission Electron Microscopy (PEEM) using a mobile setup that can be placed at several specialized laser sources.  The work can include also material preparation and studies related to applications in computing. This will be correlated to a detailed understanding of chemistry and electronic structure to the few nm level on the very same objects, using for examples Scanning Probe Microscopy and synchrotron based methods.

The work will be done in collaboration with senior scientists as well as graduate students providing expertise, equipment and nanomaterials within photonics/electronics, advanced lasers, synthesis as well as characterization.

This work will be embedded in the NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se) Centre for Nanoscience and it will involve researchers and facilities from the Lund Laser Centre (www.llc.lu.se).

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%). Participation in several PhD schools (e.g. on nanoscience, experimental methods and analysis and advanced microscopy) is offered.

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.

Other assessment criteria are experience and ability in

• Development or use of equipment related to attosecond timeresolved studies.
• Independent work with light sensitive molecules on surfaces.
• Working with III-V nanowire based devices.
• Laboratory work, including optical methods and specialized imaging methods.
• In the scientific interaction with researchers from other disciplines and from other countries.

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:

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.

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 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 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications should 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, 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.