Postdoctoral Position in Physics

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

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.

For more than 20 years, the research group has worked with basic investigations of nanostructures such as quantum dots and nanowires for applications in primarily photonics, but also spintronics. In recent times, the research has been focused on the design, processing and characterization of infrared detectors based on nanowires.

Work duties
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%).

The focus of the current doctoral student education concerns design, manufacturing and electrical and optical characterization of a new type of advanced IR sensors consisting of matrices of interconnected complex needle-like semiconductor structures, so-called nanowires. FTF and NanoLund have been pioneers in a highly regarded and successful development of nanowires with important applications in, for example, electronics, energy and photonics. More specifically, IR sensors especially suitable for the wavelength range 1.7-2.5 μm (extended short-wave infrared, eSWIR) are to be developed. These sensors are extremely important for the growing interest in imaging surveillance from space, as well as for important applications in medicine and security. 

The research work includes clean room methods such as lithography, atomic layer deposition and etching. Typical characterization techniques include optical and electron microscopy, current-voltage measurements, noise measurements, and photoluminescence and photocurrent measurements.

The doctoral student is expected to be able to work independently as well as in close collaboration with other doctoral students and senior researchers connected to the project.

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.
  
  

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:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other merits:

• Being able to quickly assimilate new techniques and knowledge.
• Undergraduate degrees should include courses in solid state physics, semiconductor physics, optoelectronics and nanoscience.
• A good ability to work in a laboratory and experience of relevant experimental work such as clean room processing, material and component analysis and microscopy.

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 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.). The applicant must also answer job-specific questions. 

Welcome with your application! 

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.

LTH is Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and work hard for the development of society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative advancements in technology, architecture and design. We have nearly 10,000 students. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 theses and 2 000 scientific findings. In addition, many of our research and degree projects are transformed into innovations. Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.

The Department of Physics is with a staff of about 400 scientists and educators one of the largest departments within Lund University. There are seven research divisions and a number of research centra within the department. The research activities at the department cover a broad spectrum of modern physics. www.fysik.lu.se/english.

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