Postdoctoral position in ultrafast optics and attosecond physics Full-time

Postdoctoral Position In Ultrafast Optics And Attosecond 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 Atomic Physics at the Department of Physics, Lund University, has a staff of approximately 50 researchers, including visiting researchers and doctoral students. The research at the division is primarily based on the use of advanced laser sources, ranging from diode lasers to terawatt lasers at the High-Power Laser Laboratory. The research areas include the interaction between intense laser fields and matter, attosecond science, quantum information, solid-state X-ray spectroscopy, laser applications in medicine and biology, as well as industrial applications. The position advertised is attached to the Attosecond Physics group and more particularly to a team working on ultrafast optics developments.

The positions are linked to the attosecond group at the department. The group's research includes ultrafast optics and lasers, generation of attosecond pulses and applications of these to the study of ultrafast phenomena in various systems. We are looking for one to two postdocs to manipulate ultrashort laser pulses, develop attosecond pulse sources and to study ultrafast processes in semiconductor nanostructures using electron instrumentation. The position(s) imply the development of ultra-short pulse technology at high repetition rate in new wavelength ranges, with the help of multi-pass cells, novel nonlinear devices and pulse/beam shaping.

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

The postdoctoral position is proposed around the following project: Manipulation of ultrashort laser pulses from an industrial ytterbium laser for high-order harmonic generation and photoemission electron microscopy of nanostructured samples. The project's goals, based on a unique industrial laser platform, are (1) to control the generated XUV light by shaping the driving laser field spectrally, spatially and temporally using ultrafast nonlinear optics, and (2) to explore phase-matching regimes, design innovative gas targets and laser-driven generation geometries to increase XUV yield. Successful achievement of these goals promises to revolutionize XUV light generation in research environments, contribute to a deeper understanding of the process of high harmonic generation, and provide important tools in materials science, with application in photoemission electron microscopy.

The tasks include:

• Operation and development of femtosecond laser systems
• Advanced nonlinear optics
• Generation of attosecond pulses by harmonic generation in gases
• Potential collaboration with industrial partners
• Exploring applications of the developed source(s)

Duties also include co-supervision of master and doctoral students.

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Theoretical and practical experience in ultrafast optics and nonlinear optics
• Practical experience with femtosecond lasers and/or high-order harmonic generation
• Works well in group

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Other qualifications:

• Experience with femtosecond lasers, ultrafast optics and nonlinear optics
• Experience in high-order harmonic generation and attosecond physics
• Other skills, e.g. instrument programming, data analysis, vacuum technology, mechanical design

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant's experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University.

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

Applications shall be written in English. Applications are to be submitted via the University's recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. Applicants should disclose the use of AI for application preparation. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)

Welcome to apply!