Doctoral student in Physics with a focus on attosecond chemistry

Of particular importance for this appointment is the division of synchrotron radiation research (www.sljus.lu.se) where the doctoral appointment is placed. The division has approximately 60 employees, half of whom are doctoral students. In addition to surface physics and magnetism, the division has a strong profile in electron spectroscopy, imaging methods and the development of new methods that use synchrotron light. Research into light-induced dynamic processes in small quantum systems is an important area where attosecond light sources at the Lund Attosecond Science Center (LASC), the MAX IV synchrotron in Lund and free electron lasers in Hamburg are used.

LASC is a world-leading research center in attosecond science and involves more than 20 researchers from various disciplines working with ultrafast science and attosecond technology. LASC is today Sweden's largest research environment for studies of ultrafast dynamics of matter and belongs to Lund's Lasercentrum (LLC), which is connected to Laserlab Sweden and Laserlab-Europe. At LASC, there are state-of-the-art attosecond light sources with intense XUV pulses (~μJ pulse energy at 100 Hz), tunable XUV pulses (at 3 kHz) or ultrashort pulses with high repetition rate (200 kHz), which enable study electron movements in atoms, molecules and solid states.

Work duties

The aim of the project is to investigate the dynamics of ultrafast processes in small quantum systems such as atoms and molecules using advanced three-dimensional momentum imaging electron and ion spectrometers. A particular focus is on photoionization processes of excited quantum systems, with the goal of increasing our understanding of electron dynamics and their correlation to atomic motions in molecules.

In the project, the doctoral student will work with experiments and develop methods to study ultrafast processes beyond simple photoionization with attosecond light sources. Specific topics for the project include:

1. Studies of ultrafast electron dynamics with attosecond pulses in atoms or molecules,
2. Development of experimental techniques to study photoreactions in (bio)molecules.
3. Investigation of the interplay between ultrafast dynamics and coherence in Young's slit experiments with attosecond pulses.

Basic work will be done in collaboration with LASC. In addition, the experiments can be performed in Hamburg or internally in our laboratory at the Department of Physics to develop techniques or test new ideas.

The work will be carried out in collaboration with several other researchers and there are good opportunities for collaboration with theoretical groups and international groups.

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.
• Experience with programming.
• Willingness to participate in teamwork over a longer experimental period at large research facilities (synchrotron light facilities or free electron lasers), which may involve annual travel.

Other assessment criteria

• Femtosecond lasers, harmonic generation and attosecond physics
• Skills in complex data analysis, vacuum engineering or mechanical design
• Experience in laboratory work is essential, including the use of electron spectrometers, mass spectrometers and basic knowledge of particle detector electronics.

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 at LTH 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 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.