Vacant job

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked among the world's leading universities. There are approximately 46,000 students and 8,500 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our strive to understand, explain, and improve our world and people's conditions.

Description of the Activity

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Physics (http://www.sljus.lu.se (http://www.sljus.lu.se)) is part of the Department of Physics and has more than 50 employees. The focus of the research is experimental studies of the 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 broad selection of synchrotron, neutron, and lab-based techniques. We are also involved in developing beamlines, experimental stations, experimental techniques, and accelerator systems for the MAX IV Laboratory and have a close connection to the European Spallation Source (https://www.ess.eu (https://www.ess.eu)), a new European neutron facility under construction adjacent to MAX IV. MAX IV is a national large-scale laboratory that is part of Lund University and is within cycling distance from the Department of Physics.

Being a PhD Student

As a PhD student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

As a doctoral student, you are trained in a scientific approach. This can be briefly described as gaining practice in thinking critically and analytically, solving problems independently using appropriate methods, and developing an awareness of research ethics. Additionally, as a PhD student, you are given the opportunity to work on projects, develop your leadership skills, and enhance your pedagogical abilities. Throughout your studies, you are guided by supervisors. The doctoral studies conclude with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

More about being a PhD student at the Faculty of Science at naturvetenskap.se (http://naturvetenskap.se).

Subject and Project Description

The interaction of electrons in materials constitutes a rich and complex source of physical problems, partly due to the difficulties in handling the multitude of many-body interactions. This interaction gives rise to fundamental quantum mechanical states such as superconductivity and magnetism. New quantum states of matter are discovered regularly. External perturbations can drive a magnetic state into a new phase, providing important information about the internal exchange interaction.

The main research area for this position is the investigation of equilibrium dynamics across a range of different time scales. On the picosecond scale, such dynamics involve phenomena such as phonons and magnons. On the millisecond scale, such dynamics include ion movements, such as diffusion. X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS), or speckle spectroscopy, is a method for measuring this dynamics on a time scale from picoseconds to kiloseconds. It has been used extensively in soft condensed matter but is less established for studies of magnetic materials and superconductors. Similar information can also be obtained from a technique called neutron spin echo, and part of this project will validate XPCS results using this method. The materials to be studied at the beginning of the project are high-temperature superconductors and electronic 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.

• General curriculum for doctoral education

Job Responsibilities

You will primarily focus on your doctoral education, which largely consists of writing a doctoral thesis. You will conduct experimental work at large-scale facilities (synchrotron and neutron sources) around the world, primarily in Europe, supplemented by laboratory experiments at Lund University. You will present your results at seminars and conferences. The experimental work involves preparing samples, setting up experimental equipment, and collecting data. For work at large-scale facilities, experimental time is allocated through competitive peer review, and you will learn to write successful proposals. You will also work on analyzing experimental data. For the XPCS method, this will require handling large datasets and either developing own codes or adapting existing programs. As part of your PhD education, you will also take certain courses, both within the subject area and in transferable skills. In addition to studies, up to 20% of working time may be devoted to teaching and other institutional work.

For more information about the position, follow the link: https://lu.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:943994/ (https://lu.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:943994/)

Open to All
We focus on your competence, not your other prerequisites. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.