Doctoral student in Physics

The department for synchrotron research (www.sljus.lu.se) is part of the Department of Physics and has more than 50 employees. The focus of the research is experimental studies of electronic, structural and chemical properties of materials, especially on surfaces but also properties of molecules and clusters in gas phase. At the department, we use a variety of experimental methods, but especially synchrotron light and laser-based techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, with a focus on in situ studies. We also have one of Sweden's largest facilities for scanning tunneling microscopy.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more: https://wise-materials.org

Work duties

Doctoral studies in physics at the department of synchrotron radiation research. The applicant will investigate single-crystalline and poly-crystalline materials active for electrocatalysis or for corrosion studies. The overall goal is an improved structural understanding and functionality of the surfaces of these materials during electrochemical processes.

The department of synchrotron radiation research develops and uses new experimental techniques for materials research. The studies will mainly be carried out as laboratory work at our local laboratories at the Department of Physics, but also at synchrotron radiation facilities.

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%).

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Research School https://wise-materials.org/research-school/ an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Admission requirements

General 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.

Specific admission requirements

To be admitted to the third-cycle programme in Physics, the student must have completed an independent project, e.g. a degree project in the relevant subject comprising at least 30 credits.

The specific admission requirements can also be fulfilled through an equivalent programme. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Qualifications other than the applicant’s subject-specific competence in Physics may be taken into consideration in order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas.

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

• Previous experience with synchrotron light-based methods, scanning probe microscopy, electrochemistry and electron microscopy is advantageous.
• Basic knowledge in surface physics/surface chemistry is advantageous.
• Basic knowledge in electrochemistry is an advantage.
• Experience of programming using Matlab/C++, python or equivalent is advantageous..

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 or Swedish 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.