Doctoral student in Physics within AI-accelerated AlN MOCVD growth - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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.

The division hosts the research group of Prof Vanya Darakchieva whose research over the past twenty years on the fabrication and advanced characterization of wide- and ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors has been at the international forefront.

More information can be found at: www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lu.se, https://kaw.wallenberg.org/en/research/semiconductor-bandgap-key-future-green-electronics, https://c3nit.se/

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 project aims to establish a deterministic approach for creating quantum defects in AlN for room temperature applications. The focus is on the development of a closed-loop research framework that combines advanced MOVPE growth using carbon-free (halide-based) precursors, machine-learning-driven optimization based on Bayesian methods, and a novel THz spectroscopic that directly probes defect properties. The project builds on Lund University's strong expertise in MOVPE of III-nitrides and III-oxides, enabling high-purity materials and improved device performance. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with Chalmers University to develop ML approaches that accelerate materials synthesis by efficiently navigating high-dimensional, strongly coupled process spaces. The position is part of a larger initiative within the Wallenberg scholar program on next-generation UWBG semiconductors for quantum technologies and green electronics.

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 work duties include MOVPE growth of AlN and Sc-alloyed AlN for systematic mapping of the growth parameter space, including temperature, pressure, precursor flow rates, and the V/III ratio. In addition, structural characterization by X-ray diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy, and electrical characterization by C-V. The work will also include developing a multi-objective Bayesian optimization framework to simultaneously reduce native defect formation and unintentional impurity incorporation.

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:

• experience in epitaxial growth of ultrawide bandgap semiconductors
• experience with structural and electrical characterization of epitaxial ultrawide bandgap semiconductors
• experience with AI approaches for materials synthesis
• 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 September 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.