Doctoral student in Physics within the discipline of development of nano- and micro- sensors for harsh environments (within the Sentio Competence Center).

Description of the workplace

The PhD position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, where extensive research is carried out centred 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.

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  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.

The development and testing of sensors for temperature, pressure, etc. in harsh environment applications will be conducted in the Lund Nano Lab in conjunction with laboratories of the division of Solid State Physics and our collaborators. 

For additional information please visit: Division of Solid State Physics, NanoLund, Sentio Competence Center

Work duties

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%).

The student will be part of the Sentio Competence Center. 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 PhD project’s focus is to develop sensors that can tolerate high temperatures (up to 1000 C), operate under heavy vibration, in a harsh chemical environment, and be implemented on arbitrary surfaces. One of the possible applications include integration of sensors with maching tools to monitor cutting, drilling or other processes in real time. The signals generated by the sensors will be used for adaptive control of different machining processes. The sensors will be developed to fit the needs of our industrial collaborators and will be integrated into the current machining methods. The student’s role will also include developing circuitry to boost the sensor’s signal near the point of operation. 

The nanofabrication methods to be used will include lithography, deposition, etching, electron microscopy, and other cleanroom methods for fabrication and characterization. 

The PhD student is expected to work independently as well as in close collaboration with the other partners in the project.

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:

• 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.

Assessment criteria

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.

Other merits:

• Being able to quickly assimilate new techniques and knowledge is an advantage.
• Laboratory work skills are essential, specifically experience of clean room environment, microfabrication, characterization and electrical measurements.
• Ability to think creatively and analytically.
• Experience working with sensors and/or sensor development.

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.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

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.

How to apply

Applications must 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, diploma or equivalent, a copy of the thesis or equivalent, alternatively a summary if the work has not been completed, as well as anything else you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Applicants must answer the following selection questions in the application process.

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!