Two Summer Jobs as Researcher Assistants

Description of the workplace 

The positions are 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.

The person in charge of the positions is Prof Vanya Darakchieva. Vanya Darakchieva has extensive experience in the development of new semiconductor materials for high frequency and power electronics. Vanya Darakchieva is also the main organizer of the International Conference on Nitride Semiconductors, ICNS-15 that will take place in July 2025 in Malmö with over 800 expected participants.  

Work duties 

Gallium oxide is one of the most promising semiconductors for enabling cost-efficient, high-power electronic devices. It is currently the only ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor that can be controllably n-type doped across a broad concentration range, and for which large-area and cost-effective native substrates are available. However, its intrinsically low thermal conductivity presents a significant challenge for practical device applications, as it leads to inefficient heat dissipation and therefore increases electrical resistance.

The project assistants will support ongoing research in Vanya Darakchieva´ s group. Main responsibilities include:

• Growth of ß-gallium oxide thin films designed for transfer to substrates with higher thermal conductivity
• Development and optimisation of growth methods for high-quality growth of crystalline ß-gallium oxide at high growth rates.
• Characterization of the thin films using techniques such as spectroscopic ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Assisting in setting up and maintaining laboratory equipment
• Contributing organizational and logistical support during the ICNS-15 conference.

Qualifications

Required qualifications for the position are:

• Ongoing Swedish university education in physics or another subject relevant for the project, at bachelor, master or equivalent level.
• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written, is a requirement.

Additional qualifications for the position are:

• Hands-on experience with pulsed laser deposition (PLD) growth of ß-gallium oxide.
• Experience in structural and morphological characterisation of ß-gallium oxide thin films.
• Experience with AFM, XRD, SEM and spectroscopic ellipsometry.

Consideration will be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence.

Further information

Both positions are fixed term employment for up to 3 months at 100 %. Starting date and scope is decided by mutual agreement.

How to apply 

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include degree certificates or equivalent and any other document which you would like to be considered (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)

Welcome with your application!