Doctoral student in condensed matter physics Full-time NEW

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 a new activity focusing on magnetic properties. At the Division we use and develop a wide range of large facility- and lab-based techniques for use at both synchrotron and neutron sources. 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 working closely with the European Spallation Source, which is a new European neutron source currently under construction near MAX IV. MAX IV is a national large-scale synchrotron facility hosted by Lund University and situated within biking distance from the Department of Physics.

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 main research topic of this position is the investigation of equilibrium dynamics over a range of timescales. On picosecond timescales, such dynamics are things like phonons and magnons. On millisecond timescales, such dynamics include ionic motion, such as diffusion. X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS), or speckle spectroscopy, is a way to measure these dynamics on timescales from picoseconds to kiloseconds. It has been used extensively in soft condensed matter, but is less well established for studies of magnetic materials and superconductors. Similar information can also be obtained from a technique known as neutron spin echo, and a part of this project will validate XPCS results using this method. The materials that will be studied at the beginning of the project are high-temperature superconductors and electronic charge glasses.

The project will involve experimental work at large-scale facilities (synchrotron and neutron sources) around the world. The data analysis of the XPCS method will require handling large datasets.

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 at Lund University. You will present your results at seminars and conferences. This experimental work will involve preparing samples, setting up the experimental equipment and collecting data. 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. For the XPCS method, this will require handling of large datasets and either developing your own codes or adjusting existing programs. 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
• 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
• 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 interview.

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.

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. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university

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 §§.

More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University's Staffpages. https://www.staff.lu.se/research-and-education/research-support/doctoral-education/terms-employment-doctoral-students

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.