Application of novel materials and processes for next generation thin film based neutron optics

For more information: https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/vacancies/25809

Work assignments 
Synthesis of neutron multilayer optics and magnetic contrast layers are performed by advanced ion-assisted magnetron sputter deposition techniques with picometer control of the definition individual layers, which are an important base for the development of new neutron optics. A major challenge for the implementation of the novel deposition concepts in real applications is the upscaling to uniformly coat large substrates, preferably in industrial deposition systems. In conjunction with upscaling of the mirror and contrast layer coatings, it is paramount to perform cost/benefit analyses of using the new technology when planning for new beamlines. Such analyses include simulations of device performance (using GenX software) based on experimental coatings, combined with neutron ray tracing from source to detector (using McStas software). In this project we will explore new industrially relevant technologies for synthesis of the thin film neutron optics. The grown structures will be characterized in-house by X-ray reflectivity (XRR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy HR-TEM), and X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS). Neutron reflectivity (NR) will be performed at the Swedish neutron reflectometer SuperADAM at ILL (France), Grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) will be carried out at the synchrotron facility Petra III (Germany), and compositional analyses will be done by elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) at the ion-technology center at Uppsala University (Sweden).

We are now looking to appoint a postdoc in the field of Thin Film Physics for development and verification of upscaled synthesis concepts of our multilayer neutron optics and magnetic contrast layers. The hired postdoc will work in a team of material scientists and physicists to take part in the experimental design, implementation and in performing experiments of novel complex neutron optics syntheses using ion-assisted magnetron sputtering. The experiment will involve both development of hardware for the synthesis process and analyses of the grown structures. The responsibility of the postdoc will mainly be focused on developing novel magnetron sputter concepts for large area multilayers, experimental verification of synthesized mirrors by the mentioned methods in person and in collaboration with external labs.

As postdoc, you will principally carry out research. A certain amount of teaching may be part of your duties, up to a maximum of 20% of working hours.

Qualifications
To be qualified to take employment as postdoc, you must have been awarded a doctoral degree or have a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree.  This degree must have been awarded at the latest by the point at which LiU makes its decision to employ you.

It is considered advantageous if your doctoral degree is no older than three years at application deadline for this job. If there are special reasons for having an older doctoral degree – such as taking statutory leave – then these may be taken into consideration.

We are seeking applicants who have an experimental materials science background. Special experience in plasma-based deposition techniques, such as magnetron sputtering, for the synthesis of nano-layered or magnetic thin films, will be viewed as a merit. Also experience of using the mentioned experimental techniques and softwares will be regarded as an advantage.

You must have good skills in communicating in English, both orally and in written text. You should also have shown the ability to work in teams with scientists of other skills, formulating scientific hypotheses, and reporting on scientific results orally and in scientific publications.

The workplace
You will be employed in the Thin Film Physics division at Linköping University (with main workplace at Campus Valla, Linköping, Sweden). Travelling to large scale facilities outside Sweden for experiments will be required.

The employment
This employment is a temporary contract of two years with the possibility of extension up to a total maximum of three years.
The employment is full-time.

Starting date by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits
The university applies individual salaries. State your desired salary in the application.

More information about employee benefits is available here.

Union representatives
Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure
Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button. Your application must be received no later than 2 January, 2025. 
 
Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered. 
 
Please attach your selected research publications electronically, in pdf or word format, in the application template. Research publications, e.g. monographs, which cannot be sent electronically should be sent in three sets by mail to the University Registrar at Linköping University, University Registrar, S-581 83 Linköping, Sweden. The publications must be received by Linköping University no later than the deadline for application. 

Please note that printed publications will not be returned. They will be archived at Linköping University. 
 
In the event of a discrepancy between the English translation of the job announcement and the Swedish original, the Swedish version shall take precedent. 

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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