Doctoral student in Physics with focus on atomic-scale surface characterization and functionalization of semiconductor nanostructures - 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, especially nanostructures. At the division we use and develop a wide range of synchrotron- and lab-based techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy/imaging and X-ray diffraction/imaging. 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), which is the environment behind the Nobel prize in Physics 2023 and providing advanced laser sources. We also host Sweden's largest facility for scanning probe microscopy.

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 aim of this project is to study surfaces of technologically relevant semiconductor nanostructures at the atomic scale, even during surface modification or during device operation. We will focus on III-V semiconductors and semiconductor nanowires including heterostructures of different material, doping, or crystal phase. Such materials are applied for novel electronic or optoelectronic devices and within energy harvesting. Surface functionalization of these materials may lead to novel properties, and you will study effects like quantum confinement or formation of topological insulators. 

The main characterization techniques in this project will be scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) at the Department of Physics as well as synchrotron-based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in various setups, including approaches specialized on angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) for evaluation of band dispersion, nm-scale spatial resolution (PEEM), or ambient pressure (AP-XPS). Complementary characterization techniques, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), are also available.

You will perform part of the measurements in synchrotron experiments (so-called beamtimes), where you will be part of a team working 24/7 over several days, at the MAX IV Laboratory and at other European synchrotrons. Travel to such beamtimes, to conferences where you will present your results, and to collaboration partners will be part of the project.

You will work in close collaboration with senior scientists as well as other graduate students and postdocs at the Department, combining complementary expertise in structural characterization, materials science, and nanoelectronic devices. You will have access to state-of-the-art characterization equipment of various kind, and you will study nanostructures of internationally leading quality and performance. You will be part of the NanoLund Centre for Nanoscience and you are encouraged to participate in graduate schools e.g. within advanced microscopy, synchrotron techniques, and/or sustainable research.

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 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

Experience and ability in one or several of the following areas are of additional benefit:

• Scanning tunneling microscopy
• X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, especially ARPES
• Synchrotron experiments
• Characterization of semiconductors
• Modelling or programming related to materials or nanostructures

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 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, 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.