Doctoral student in Applied Physics with focus on laser diagnostics in hydrogen-based applications - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Physics at LTH, Lund University, is recruiting a PhD student in Physics with a focus on studying electrode wear in spark-ignited combustion engines powered by renewable fuels. This research is an important part of the transition to fossil-free fuels in the transport sector. The position is located at the Division of Combustion Physics, where extensive research is conducted in energy and combustion science, but also in several other areas, such as atmospheric science, plasma, and catalysis. It is a vibrant research environment with a wide range of expertise for both basic and applied research. The division is a world leader in the application and development of laser-based measurement techniques, and these tools are used in all of these research areas. The division, which consists of about 50 people, is part of the Lund Laser Centre (LLC) and the profile areas Advanced Light Sources (LTH/Faculty of Science), The Energy Transition (LTH), Aerosols (LTH), and Light and Materials (LU). Furthermore, the Division of Combustion Physics is heavily involved in undergraduate and graduate education with a focus on engineering as well as physics and chemistry.

The PhD position will be supervised by Associate Professor Andreas Ehn and Professor Mattias Richter, who work with applied physics focusing on plasma and combustion processes for sustainable energy solutions. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with the company SEM AB (Svenska Elektromagneter), which is leading the project. The research project is expected to enable innovation and product development for an international market, and lead to efficient and competitive hydrogen engines in the future transport sector. The project is also being carried out in collaboration with Volvo AB, Scania CV, and Wärtsilä, who are in need of effective ignition systems in their development and optimization of carbon-dioxide-free engines. The various partners in the project provide great opportunities for you as a PhD student to establish good contacts with a range of industrial partners who all have a great interest in the project, while you work with advanced applied research.

The work is experimental and will mainly involve carrying out optical and electrical measurements in controlled, realistic conditions in a laboratory environment using advanced laser diagnostics and high-speed cameras. Furthermore, the project includes and requires knowledge in material physics, thermodynamics, physics, and chemistry in order to be able to carry out scientifically based analysis of measurement data as well as design and perform strategic scientific experiments.

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 webpage PhD studies at LTH.

Work duties

You will primarily focus on your doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects as well as doctoral courses, seminars, and conferences.

The tasks within the project involve developing and applying a range of optical/laser-based measurement methods and utilizing them in controlled laboratory environments to investigate how plasma and thermodynamic effects influence the wear of spark plug electrodes, and to understand how this wear affects ignition in a hydrogen-based combustion engine. As a PhD student, you are also expected to communicate the results obtained in the project with the project leader, supervisors, and the project's reference group in regular meetings. The project also includes communicating research findings in scientific journals and at conferences through oral and poster presentations.

The duties also include:

• Being responsible for the lab infrastructure connected to the project.
• Evaluating the safety aspects of your experimental work.
• Documenting your scientific work in a correct and secure manner.
• The duties may also include participation in teaching and other departmental work (however, not exceeding 20% of your work time).

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:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good theoretical and experimental knowledge in physics and engineering science.
• Good knowledge of MATLAB or similar programming languages for data analysis.
• Good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Good ability to cooperate
• Good teamwork skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Initiative.

Other qualifications

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

• Experimental experience with high-voltage electronics.
• Experimental experience with electrical measurement methods.
• Experience with experimental laser diagnostics.
• Experience with the analysis of experimental data.
• Experience in managing projects.
• Theoretical knowledge in physics, chemistry, materials science, electronics, optics, and engineering science.

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 webpage Work at Lund University

About the employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting as agreed. 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 Staffpages Terms of employment for doctoral students.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include:

• CV and a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the doctoral programme/employment and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.
• Copies of issued study certificates and/or awarded degree certificates. These must confirm that you meet the general and specific admission requirements for the doctoral programme and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral programme project.
• Other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.)

We welcome your application!