Doctoral student in physics with focus on theoretical attosecond physics

Description of the workplace 

Mathematical Physics is a common division between the Natural Science and Engineering (LTH) faculties and is part of the Department of Physics. Research is conducted primarily in the field of quantum mechanical many particle physics, which includes theoretical nuclear structure physics, nanometer physics, quantum information, atomic theory and material modeling, with numerous partnerships both internationally and within Lund University.

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  

This doctoral position is part of a larger project titled "Coherence and Entanglement in Ultrafast Photoionization (CEUP)", funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW), as a Wallenberg Academy Fellow prolongation grant. The project offers opportunities for significant advancements in research within theoretical light-matter physics at Mathematical Physics, Lund University. There are excellent collaboration opportunities with experimental groups in atomic physics at Lund University, within attosecond physics and quantum information (e.g., Prof. Anne L’Huillier and Prof. Stefan Kröll).

For more information: https://www.matfys.lu.se/staff/faculty/marcus-dahlstroem/

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.

You will work on developing effective descriptions of matter that is strongly driven by light, where electrons are simultaneously removed from atoms, leading to the creation of ions. These processes are complex and challenge both our intuition and numerical computational capabilities. Short-wavelength light (X-rays) can eject electrons from the inner shells of atoms, while electrons from the outer shells can be removed using long-wavelength light pulses (infrared radiation).

This project focuses on quantum-mechanical calculations of how free electrons and ions are formed during such processes and how they can subsequently be entangled by the laser light. Effective Hamiltonians will be employed to simplify the description of the physics, addressing both the mutual interactions between the electrons and the interactions between different atoms in the laser light. To study these types of problems, special theoretical techniques must be applied to allow electrons, ions and photons to disappear from the calculations in a controlled manner. In other words, non-Hermitian dynamics must be handled. Both non-relativistic and relativistic quantum mechanics will be explored.

The work duties include:

• Postgraduate studies, which include both participation in research projects and taking doctoral courses.
• 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 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

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

• experience with effective Hamiltonians, Master equations, or Floquet theory.
• experience with time-dependent simulations of quantum many-body systems.
• background in atomic physics, attosecond physics or correlated quantum mechanical systems.
• proficiency in numerical modelling.
• advanced programming 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 as soon as possible. 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. 

Other

Interviews can be carried out in Lund or via ZOOM.

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.