Post-doctoral fellow in condensed matter theory with specialization in altermagnetism

Description of the workplace
The division of mathematical physics spans both the faculties of natural science and engineering science (LTH), and it is a part of the department of physics. Research is conducted primarily in the fields of quantum many-body systems, which includes theoretical research in nuclear physics, nanometer physics, quantum information, atomic physics, and modeling of materials, with several collaborations internationally and within Lund University.

Subject description
Altermagnets form a novel class of magnets that has recently been discovered. Their unique electromagnetic properties, such as the ability to generate spin polarized currents, make altermagnets suitable for applications in spintronics and possible replacements for current rare-earth-based magnets.

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
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position 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.

The job also includes opportunities for:  

• Co-supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Collaboration within the national WISE program

This project aims to identify new altermagnetic materials with desirable properties. For this purpose, this project will use advanced computational and theoretical methods to describe the many-electron physics at the heart of this magnetic phenomenon.

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.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience with computational modelling of the electronic or magnetic properties of materials, for example in the form of dynamical mean-field theory, density functional theory or similar approaches.
• Experience with developing new modelling methods.

Assessment criteria
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.
• Teaching skills.
• The ability to collaborate and work in teams.
• The ability to take personal responsibility for the progression of projects.
• Experience in publication of work in scientific journals.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative 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.

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.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School (https://wise-materials.org/research/graduate-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.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of two 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.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• CV including a list of publications.
• Cover letter (max two pages, font size 12)
• A general description of past research activity and future research interests (max two pages, font size 12).
• Contact details for at least two references.
• Copy of PhD diploma and possibly other documents you wish to include.

 Welcome with your application!