Doctoral student in Physics within characterization of semiconductor nanostructures

Description of the workplace
The PhD position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, where extensive research is carried out centered 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 Division has a strong commitment to undergraduate education, not least in the Master's programme "Engineering Nanoscience" at LTH.


Being a doctoral student
As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

More about being a doctoral student at LTH on lth.se.


Subject and project description
The division hosts a new research initiative that targets the protein-templated synthesis of semiconductor nanocomposites using biofabrication techniques.  Leveraging the recent advances in AI-driven protein design, the longterm vision is a fully circular manufacturing process for semiconductor nanostructures based on sustainable biofabrication. An important part of this effort is the electrooptical characterization of semiconductor nanostructures using contact-free techniques as well as techniques based on nanofabrication. The project is part of the InBio WISE-WASP NEST initiative. The PhD project will be jointly supervised by Prof. Heiner Linke and Prof. Vanya Darakchieva.

More information can be found at:
www.ftf.lth.se
www.nano.lu.se
https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/heiner-linke
https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/vanya-darakchieva
https://wise-materials.org/external/wasp-wise-nest-projects-advancing-multidisciplinary-research/


Work duties
You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral programme, which includes participation in research projects as well as third cycle courses, seminars and conferences.

The goal of this PhD project is to develop characterization methods for protein templated semiconductor structures and to guide the protein design group in developing the templates. You are expected to work independently as well as in close collaboration with other researchers associated with the project.

The work duties include:

• Characterization of semiconductor nanostructures, including such fabricated by protein-templating. Methods comprise electrooptical and structural, contactless techniques (e.g. spectroscopic ellipsometry, SEM, TEM, AFM) as well as electric characterization of single nanostructures with nanofabricated contacts.
• The duties may also include participation in teaching and other departmental work (however, a maximum of 20% of working hours).

Qualifications
To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• 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 the applicant has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Additional requirements
In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• good written and oral communication skills.
• very good knowledge of English, spoken and written. 
• good collaborative skills, drive and independence. 

Other qualifications 
For the doctoral programme in question, the following are considered as other qualifications:

• experience with protein design.
• experience with above characterization techniques.
• materials science or semiconductor background.
• experience in nanofabrication techniques in a cleanroom environment.
• experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

We offer
Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

More about working at Lund University on lu.se. 

About the employment
The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting according to agreement. 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. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University’s Staff pages.