Doctoral student in Physics within characterization of semiconductor nanostructures

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Description of the workplace

The PhD position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, where extensive research is carried out centered on various aspects of nanophysics, ranging from materials science to bio- and quantum physics to various applications. The Division is a central part of NanoLund, Lund University's large interdisciplinary research centre on nanoscience and nanotechnology.

The Division includes Lund Nano Lab, a central and shared facility for the production of materials and components at the nanoscale. The Division has a strong commitment to undergraduate education, not least in the Master's programme "Engineering Nanoscience" at LTH.

Being a doctoral student

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.

More about being a doctoral student at LTH on lth.se.

Subject and project description

The division hosts a new research initiative that targets the protein-templated synthesis of semiconductor nanocomposites using biofabrication techniques. Leveraging the recent advances in AI-driven protein design, the longterm vision is a fully circular manufacturing process for semiconductor nanostructures based on sustainable biofabrication. An important part of this effort is the electrooptical characterization of semiconductor nanostructures using contact-free techniques as well as techniques based on nanofabrication. The project is part of the InBio WISE-WASP NEST initiative. The PhD project will be jointly supervised by Prof. Heiner Linke and Prof. Vanya Darakchieva.

More information can be found at: www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lu.se, https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/heiner-linke, https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/vanya-darakchieva, https://wise-materials.org/external/wasp-wise-nest-projects-advancing-multidisciplinary-research/.

Work duties

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral programme, which includes participation in research projects as well as third cycle courses, seminars and conferences.

The goal of this PhD project is to develop characterization methods for protein templated semiconductor structures and to guide the protein design group in developing the templates. You are expected to work independently as well as in close collaboration with other researchers associated with the project.

The work duties include:

• Characterization of semiconductor nanostructures, including such fabricated by protein-templating. Methods comprise electrooptical and structural, contactless techniques (e.g. spectroscopic ellipsometry, SEM, TEM, AFM) as well as electric characterization of single nanostructures with nanofabricated contacts.
• The duties may also include participation in teaching and other departmental work (however, a maximum of 20% of working hours).

Qualifications

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:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Additional requirements

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

• good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• good written and oral communication skills.
• very good knowledge of English, spoken and written.
• good collaborative skills, drive and independence.

Other qualifications

For the doctoral programme in question, the following are considered as other qualifications:

• experience with protein design.
• experience with above characterization techniques.
• materials science or semiconductor background.
• experience in nanofabrication techniques in a cleanroom environment.
• experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

We offer

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.

About the employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting according to agreement. Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH 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 Staff pages.

LTH is Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and work hard for the development of society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative advancements in technology, architecture and design. We have nearly 10,000 students. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 theses and 2 000 scientific findings. In addition, many of our research and degree projects are transformed into innovations. Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.

The Department of Physics is with a staff of about 400 scientists and educators one of the largest departments within Lund University. There are seven research divisions and a number of research centra within the department. The research activities at the department cover a broad spectrum of modern physics. www.fysik.lu.se/english.