Doctoral student in Physics: Nanoscale X-ray diffraction for ferroelectric domain dynamics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research (http://www.sljus.lu.se) is a part of the Department of Physics and has more than 50 employees. The focus of the research is on experimental studies of electronic, structural, and chemical properties of materials. The Division is also developing a new activity focussing on magnetic properties.  At the Division we use and develop a wide range of large facility- and lab-based techniques. We are additionally engaged in the development of the MAX IV Laboratory in the fields of beamlines, experimental stations, techniques for Synchrotron radiation and the accelerator systems, and have a cooperation with the European Spallation Sourse (www.esss.se), which is a new European neutron facility under construction close to MAX IV.

MAX IV (www.maxiv.lu.se/ ) is a national large-scale research laboratory hosted by Lund University and situated within biking distance from the Department of Physics. It provides scientists from Sweden and the rest of the world with the most brilliant Synchrotron radiation source and instrumentation for research in areas such as materials science, structural biology, chemistry and nanotechnology.

For more information about the main supervisor of the project, please see: http://www.sljus.lu.se/staff/jesper-wallentin/

Work duties

The project will develop nanoscale X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods to image domain dynamics in ferroelectric materials. These are characterized by the existence of domains in which there is an aligned polarization, similar to the aligned magnetic domains in ferromagnetics. Ferroelectric materials are used and developed for a wide range of applications, such as memories and computations. The ferroelectric behavior is largely governed by the dynamics of the domains, which have a size in the range of tens of nm to several micron.

In recent years, the spatial resolution of nanoscale X-ray diffraction methods has become sufficient to image individual domains, giving a unique possibility to study their dynamics for instance during switching. The NanoMAX beamline at the MAX IV synchrotron, the world’s first fourth-generation synchrotron, offers a unique combination of high flux and spatial resolution with excellent facilities for in situ studies.

The position is a collaboration between the NanoLund, the division of Synchrotron Radiation Research (SRR) and the NanoMAX beamline at MAX IV.  The PhD student will collaborate with various groups synthesizing ferroelectric materials and devices, primarily within the NanoLund research center. In particular, the project will develop methods and beamline instrumentation for in situ imaging of the ferroelectric domains during switching.

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.

Other assessment criteria

For the present position, experience with X-ray methods is essential, as well as experience with programming and data analysis.

Additional assessment criteria are (not in order of importance):

1. Experience with ferroelectrics or other ferroic materials
2. Experience with nanoscale and coherent X-ray methods
3. Experience with other X-ray methods

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 or Swedish 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.