Doctoral student in Physics with focus on development of nano- and microscale sensor systems for hard-to-reach environments (within the Sentio Competence Centre) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research (www.sljus.lu.se) is a part of the Department of Physics and has about 60 employees. We are scientists from many different countries and backgrounds. Openness, teamwork, and support are important values. 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.

Sentio – Integrated Sensors and Adaptive Technology for Sustainable Products and Manufacturing – is a newly inaugurated Vinnova competence centre coordinated by Lund University in close collaboration with companies from Swedish industry, RISE, Region Skåne and trade associations. The goal is to create a world leading highly interdisciplinary research centre that brings together the wide range of diverse competences from industry and academia that are needed to develop integrated sensor technology with the capacity to significantly improve sustainability, reduce the use of resources, and increase competitiveness across industrial sectors of Sweden.

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 overall aim is to integrate nano-/microscale sensor systems inside industrial products and equipment that can measure relevant parameters such as temperature, pressure, or flow without affecting the process. The successful applicant will develop and explore nano-/microstructure creation and performance on non-flat surfaces with a focus on stainless steel, but also other elemental compositions in the substrate. The project will also include developing circuitry and concepts to enable weak and noisy signals to be retrieved from the interior of complex machines and products.

The robustness and electrical/optical performance will be evaluated with the aim to have structures that can function over long time and distances and should be so small that they do not disturb liquid flow or product formation in industrial and product relevant environments, with good performance at elevated temperature and pressure. Several different sensor/transmitter materials and combinations will be explored, including some that are also compatible with e.g. foods.

The student will be part of the Sentio Competence Center (sentio.lu.se). In this first recruitment Sentio will hire 7 doctoral students within different areas of expertise that will work together, this is one of these recruitments.  Sentio is financed by Vinnova – Sweden’s innovation agency. 

The work will be done in collaboration with senior scientists as well as graduate students and postdocs providing expertise, and equipment in industrial production, nanotechnology and nanofabrication, material characterization (including MAX IV), mathematical modelling and signal processing, wireless communication, software development, and models for sustainability analysis.  

The student will also be part of NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se) Centre for Nanoscience and will use facilities such as MAX IV.

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

• Nano-/microscale device fabrication
• Electrical and/or optical measurements on nanoscale devices
• Modelling, simulation or programming related to devices or materials
• Laboratory work, related to the project.
• 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 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 may 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.