Doctoral student in condensed matter physics Full-time

Doctoral Student In Condensed Matter Physics

Lund University, Science Faculty, Department of Physics

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research 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 its activities focusing on magnetic properties. At the Division we use and develop a wide range of synchrotron-, neutron- 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, as well as engagement with the European Spallation Source. MAX IV is a national large-scale synchrotron facility hosted by Lund University and situated within biking distance from the Department of Physics.

A large part of this project will be carried out at the Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, France, which is Europe's leading research facility for science using neutrons. Every year, ILL hosts over 2000 visits by scientists, which are using a state-of-the-art suite of neutron scattering instruments for research in a variety of fields and in particular for fundamental material science and condensed matter. More specifically and most relevant for this project, neutron spectroscopy probes the dynamics of materials which hold the key for understanding quantum phenomena.

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.

The interactions of electrons in materials are a rich and complex source of physical problems, in part due to the problems of dealing with the large number of many-body interactions. These interactions give rise to fundamentally quantum mechanical states such as superconductivity and magnetism. New quantum states of matter are being uncovered on a regular basis. External perturbations are able to drive a magnetic state into a new phase, providing vital information on the internal exchange interactions.

The main research topic of this position is the investigation of how thermal transport in crystals can be affected by the application of magnetic field. This is observed in the thermal Hall effect, which is thermal analogue to the Hall effect. In many materials, when a thermal gradient is applied, and a magnetic field is then applied, an orthogonal thermal gradient develops. The mechanisms for this are as yet unknown. In this project this will be investigated by focusing on the thermal carriers, using inelastic neutron scattering to identify and characterize potential carriers, with the aim of explaining how they couple to an external magnetic field. With this information, we will be able to test theoretical explanations, and provide clarity on what types of mechanism are permissible in such quantum materials.

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral education, which mainly consists of writing a doctoral thesis. You will do experimental work at large-scale facilities (synchrotron and neutron sources) around the world, although primarily in Europe, supplemented by laboratory experiments. You will present your results at seminars and conferences. This experimental work will involve preparing samples, setting up the experimental equipment and collecting data. You will also be involved in designing and building a sample holder that will permit thermal transport measurements, in collaboration with experts. For the work at large-scale facilities, experimental time is awarded by competitive peer-review, and you will learn how to write successful proposals. You will also work on analyzing the experimental data and testing them against theoretical predications. As a part of your doctoral education you will also take some taught courses, both in the subject area and in transferable skills. In addition to studies, a maximum of 20% of working time may be spent on teaching and other departmental work.

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:

• completed an independent work (e.g. degree project) in a relevant subject comprising at least 30 higher education credits The special qualification may also have been obtained through other equivalent education, which is assessed on a case-by-case basis. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and significant in-depth studies in certain areas, qualifications other than the applicant's subject-specific competence in physics may be taken into account.

Additional Requirements

In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• at least one first- or second-cycle course covering solid state physics or condensed matter physics
• some experience with programming. For information, python and Matlab are the most commonly used languages in this area.
• good ability to take initiative in your research work
• 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

The selection of eligible applicants will be made taking into account the ability to benefit from the training based on the following criteria:

• general knowledge of physics, and in particular quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and solid state physics
• laboratory experience.
• prior experience with scattering techniques (for example neutron or X-ray scattering) is a benefit but not required.
• assessment of your ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. This assessment may be based, for example, on your degree project work, and a discussion of it during a potential interview.

Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, initiative, independence, and personal suitability, as well as to how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to possess the abilities required to successfully complete doctoral studies.

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting as soon as possible. Third cycle studies at Lund University 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 §§.

The application should be written in English and you must attach to your application:

• CV and personal letter with a justification of why you are interested in the training place/employment and in what way the research project matches your interests and your educational background.
• Copies of issued study certificates and/or diplomas. These should prove your basic and special eligibility for the doctoral education subject and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral education project.
• Other information that you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc).

We welcome your application.