Doctoral student in Physics within THz-electron spin resonance-ellipsometry

Description of the workplace 

The PhD position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, a division with around 100 employees 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.

A significant part of the research at the division is in characterization of semiconductor materials. The department hosts the research group of Prof Vanya Darakchieva. Together with its co-operating partners, the group has developed in recent years THz ellipsometry and its applications in characterization of semiconductor materials and devices. The optical Hall effect is one of the advanced characterizations to access electronic transport properties. The method has been applied to two-dimensional semiconductor systems such as nitride-based high electron mobility transistors and graphene, but also to large band gap and low symmetry semiconductors such as Ga2O3. These materials and components lay the foundation for the next generation of high-frequency and high-power electronics being developed together with leading Swedish industrial partners.

More information can be found at: www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lu.se, https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/vanya-darakchieva/

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 PhD advisor is Prof Vanya Darakchieva at the Division of Solid State Physics. Vanya Darakchieva has extensive experience in the development of new semiconductor materials for high frequency and power electronics. The research also focuses on developing spectroscopic techniques to study electronic and transport properties of materials from bulk to nanoscale.

A specific direction to be further developed is to investigate electron spin resonances with the THz ellipsometer, so-called high field EPR. It involves the development of equipment and strategies based on polarisation optical methods and aims at defect characterisation in semiconductors. The development is mainly basic research but has strong links to future quantum technology concepts.

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 aim of the PhD project is to conduct research in THz material analysis to expand the scope of THz ellipsometry and optical Hall effect to electron spin resonance ellipsometry. The method will mainly be applied in materials science, in particular for the investigation of crystal phases and defects in semiconductors. In addition to nitride material systems, a focus area will be Ga2O3 and other ultrawide bandgap semiconductors. 

The duties 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 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
• good ability to cooperate
• very good knowledge of English, spoken and written

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

• expertise in semiconductor characterization using spectroscopic methods
• deep knowledge of semiconductor physics.
• knowledge of ultrawide bandgap semiconductors.

We offer

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

You will be included in a team of researchers at NanoLund, a highly visible nanoscience center that offers excellent career development, an open and inclusive research environment with an active community of PhD students and postdocs, and access to a wide range of state-of-the-art capabilities within characterization, nanofabrication and modelling.

More about working at Lund University on lu.se. 

About the employment 

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting 1st April 2026 or 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.

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.