Doctoral student in Physics with a focus on the development of novel X-ray imaging methods with AI+Physics

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 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. MAX IV (http://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.

NanoLund (http://www.nano.lu.se), formerly known as the Nanometer Structure Consortium, founded in 1988, supports and coordinates activities within nanoscience and nanotechnology at Lund University. NanoLund is today Sweden’s largest research environment for nanoscience, engaging approximately 250 PhD students and scientists in the faculties of engineering, the natural sciences, and medicine at Lund University. Its vision is to bring together the most creative minds in a world-leading interdisciplinary research environment to help overcome society's grand challenges by pushing the frontiers of nanoscience. NanoLund runs Lund Nano Lab (http://www.nano.lu.se/lundnanolab-2), a state of the art facility for nanofabrication.

For more information about the main supervisor of the project, please see: https://www.sljus.lu.se/pablo-villanueva-perez

Work duties

MAX IV is the first operational diffraction-limited storage ring in the world, offering new opportunities to develop novel X-ray imaging techniques that were not possible before.

This project aims to develop and demonstrate a novel X-ray imaging technique based on scattering to explore a new spatiotemporal frontier for hierarchical characterization. This technique will be commissioned at the ForMAX beamline at MAX IV by studying hierarchical self-assembly processes that have the potential to lead to the next generation of optimal bioinspired materials.

In particular, the candidate will work on: i) commissioning and establishing this novel technique, granting the opportunity to pioneer novel research opportunities enabled by one of the brightest sources in the world, ii) developing AI+Physics end-to-end reconstruction algorithms that will enable a new regime of spatiotemporal hierarchical characterization.

The project is mainly computational with an experimental component. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Establish novel AI reconstruction algorithms based on cutting-edge self-supervised approaches that merge state-of-the-art AI methods with X-ray physics.
• Develop simulation frameworks modeling optical components, and X-ray interaction with matter, and detection mechanisms.
• Gain understanding of X-ray imaging and scattering instrumentation at one of the most advanced facilities in the world.
• Participate in commissioning and designing a novel X-ray imaging technique that would enable novel research not possible before.
• Test the developments in experimental and simulation conditions.
• Work in international research collaboration environments.
• Study self-assembly processes with the technique to develop novel bioinspired systems.

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.
• Programming and data analysis skills (C++, Python, etc.).
• Wave formalism.

Other assessment criteria

Although not a requirement, it is highly advantageous to be skilled in one or more of the following:

• Hands-on experience with PyTorch or similar deep-learning packages.
• Experience with advanced Fourier analysis.
• Work-related to large-scale facilities like storage rings.

We are looking for a creative person focused on solving problems with new methods and techniques. You are good at learning new knowledge and concepts from other subject areas than your own. We attach great importance to personal qualities such as organization, attention to detail, and perseverance.

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 should 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