Post-doctoral position in physics with focus on ultrafast laser diagnostics

Description of the workplace

The Division of Combustion Physics conducts extensive research with an emphasis on the development of laser spectroscopic techniques for fundamental studies and applications in combustion processes, gasification, catalysis, plasma, and production of nano-structures. In recent years, the unit has also established significant research activities in the field of biophotonics, with a strong focus on optical remote sensing techniques. The unit activities have an extensive network of collaboration partners at the Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University, with other universities, nationally and internationally, and with the industry. The activities have been conducted since 2001 in modern premises in the Enoch Thulin Laboratory at the Department of Physics and currently about 60 people work at the unit.

Subject description

The development of lasers that deliver ultra-short pulses, especially femtosecond lasers, has enabled significant improvements for a variety of laser-based measurement techniques, but also brand new diagnostic concepts. Ultra-short laser pulses offer a number of very attractive diagnostic features, namely extremely high time resolution, extremely high peak power and a very broad laser emission spectrum. These properties are particularly attractive for nonlinear laser spectroscopic techniques, such as multi-photon laser-induced fluorescence (MP-LIF) and Coherent anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS). Development of such fs-laser-based techniques for quantitative measurements of species concentrations and temperature in fundamental studies of combustion of renewable fuels, primarily ammonia and metals, is the focus of the research project for the postdoc.

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 includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Conduct research
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience of fs-laser-based multi-photon LIF for simultaneous visualization of several atomic species in flames.
• Theoretical and experimental knowledge and experience of rotational CARS based on fs-laser pulses for thermometry and species concentration measurements.
• Knowledge and experience of hybrid rotational CARS concepts in which fs-laser pulses are combined with a nanosecond (ns) laser pulse, and interferometric rotational CARS utilizing quantum control.

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.

Other qualifications:

• Experience from practical work with fs-laser systems and ultafast detectors (streak camera).
• Experience from simulation of rotational-CARS signals, both spectrally and temporally.

Consideration will also be given to 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.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 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.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system (including your PhD certificate). Read more: To apply for academic positions at LTH

Welcome to apply!