Post-doctoral fellow in Accelerator physics and Free Electron Laser - 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 50 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. In addition, the division host one of Sweden's largest facilities for scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). 

Subject description

The MAX IV facility operates the first fourth generation storage ring for synchrotron radiation in the world. The new properties provide a dramatically reduced emittance of the electron beam enabling fundamentally new research using synchrotron light. The storage rings are supplied with electrons by a full energy linear accelerator with unique properties suitable to act as a light source in itself.

The research in the accelerator physics group at the Department of Physics focus on the physics and technology to generate extremely short, intense light pulses and the accelerators needed for these light sources.

We study Free Electron Lasers and how they can be controlled and developed for higher coherence, stability, and pulse lengths in the atto-second range. To make this possible we search new solutions at the accelerators, both linear and storage rings, and with the help on new accelerator concepts. The research is connected to the MAX IV Laboratory but also in collaboration to other groups, especially in Europe.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Work duties:

• Development of concepts and ideas within the science area.
• Research in ongoing projects for FEL, accelerators and accelerator technology.
• Research in PWFA at FLASH Forward in a collaboration with DESY, Hamburg.
• Simulations on how new concepts can be integrated with a FEL.
• Supervision of degree projects and PhD students
• Collaboration with projects at other facilities

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, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

The successful candidate should have a thorough experience of accelerator simulations and modelling. The suitable candidate should be able to work both alone and to collaborate with the other people in the team. Ability to discuss and share knowledge and results is crucial for building the overall competence in the project.

The applicant should have capacity, ability and special competence to develop own projects within the scientific field.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• A PhD in Accelerator physics or equivalent subject.
• Experience of measurements and modeling of accelerators, both RF-linac and PWFA based.
• Good knowledge of electron beam dynamics.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

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.
• Pedagogical skill.

Additional criteria:

• Scientific writing of papers and ability to communicate results.
• Deepened experience of both linear accelerators and PWFA is an advantage.
• Experience from previous design studies is an advantage.
• Ability to collaborate with the research groups in Lund (MAX IV) and DESY (FLASHForward)

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, teaching skills, drive and independence, and 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.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 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”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.