Doctoral student in Physics within the discipline of the development of next-generation ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

COMPEL, "COMPetence for the ELectrification of the transport system", is a strategic initiative by the Swedish government, aimed at strengthening research and educational environments within battery technology and electrification. Within COMPEL, the three institutions - Chalmers University of Technology, Lund University, and Uppsala University – in consultation with Swedish industry, deepen their collaboration with the aim of strengthening Sweden's position in battery technology contributing to the electrification of the transport sector, and related areas. The three institutions aim to enhance research and education in the battery sector to ensure strong research in battery technology supporting that electrification of the transport sector is maintained and further developed in Sweden. Research within COMPEL spans the entire battery value chain: materials research, research on new cell concepts and cell manufacturing, battery systems and system integration, recycling, and safety.

At Lund University with the Faculty of Engineering (LTH), COMPEL is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing research environments in battery technology and electrification, in a manner that complements relevant research at other institutions and builds on our strengths. COMPEL at Lund University initially includes researchers from ten departments, and three areas of research have been identified for strategic development: materials research, integration of batteries with power electronics, and safe energy storage. On the educational side, the number of students in several of the Master programs is being increased, and the course offerings related to battery technology and electrification are being strengthened.

Description of the workplace 

The PhD position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, where extensive research is carried out centred 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 includes Lund Nano Lab, a central and shared facility for the production of materials and components at the nanoscale. The divison has a strong commitment to undergraduate education, not least in the Master of Science in Engineering Nanoscience programme at LTH.

The project will involve close collaboration with the Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research at the Department of Physics, where scientists use and develop a wide range of X-ray based techniques for studying electronic, structural, and chemical properties of materials, especially nanostructures. Part of the work will be performed at the MAX IV Laboratory in Lund, the world’s first 4th generation synchrotron. 

Both divisions are characterised by diversity among staff and students. Openness, teamwork and good research support are important values.

Over the last twenty years, our research on fabrication and advanced characterisation of large bandgap semiconductors has been at the international forefront. We are currently leading a Vinnova competence centre where we are developing the next generation of high frequency and power electronics together with leading Swedish industrial partners. 

More information can be found at: C3NiT, Division of Solid State Physics, NanoLund, Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research, Max IV

Work duties

The subject of this PhD project is to develop novel ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor technology such as AlN and related alloys for green power electronics. This includes growth by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) and advanced characterization of materials and device structures using synchrotron-based techniques at MAX IV and other synchrotrons. The work duties are:

• Epitaxial growth of AlN, AlGaN and related device heterostructures by MOVPE (Lund Nano Lab)
• In situ surface studies during oxide deposition reactions using ambient-pressure X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) at MAX IV.
• Operando interface studies of electronic device structures using various XPS-based techniques at MAX IV and other synchrotron facilities.
• Complementary studies of other structural and electronic properties using state-of-the-art characterization tools

Doping and processing of ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors present significant challenges and it can enable electronic devices with substantially better performance as compared to traditional power electronic devices based on Si and SiC. 

The PhD student is expected to work independently as well as in close collaboration with the other researchers in the project. 

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:

• 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 an associated field.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience in experimental work and ability for skilful laboratory work are required. 

Assessment criteria

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, see work duties. These can be demonstrated through attached documents.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. The assessment can, for example, be based on the MSc thesis and a discussion about it at a possible interview.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other merits:

• Experience in MOCVD growth.
• Practical experience in characterization of semiconductors 
• Experience with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
• Knowledge of semiconductor physics
• Knowledge of semiconductor electronic devices

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 doctoral studies may be employed as doctoral students. The doctoral programme is four years of full-time study. In the case of teaching and other departmental work, employment is extended accordingly, up to a maximum of five years (i.e. a maximum of 20%). Employment as a doctoral student is regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

How to apply

Applications must be written in English. The application must include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the research project matches your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, diploma or equivalent, a copy of the thesis or the equivalent, alternatively a summary if the work has not been completed, as well as anything else you wish to refer to (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

You will also be expected to answer a number of selection questions as a first step in this recruitment process.

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.

Welcome to apply!