About the position

We have a vacancy for a researcher at the Department of Electronic Systems (IES) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

The position will be in the “III-V semiconductor nano-device” group, that focuses on growth, characterization and processing of hybrid III-V semiconductor nanowire/graphene structures for use in various optoelectronic applications including solar cells, LEDs and lasers. The III-V nanowires are grown on graphene substrates in the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) lab at the department. Optoelectronic characterization of individual nanostructures and devices is done using techniques such as low temperature micro-photoluminescence, photocurrent and electroluminescence, using a Nanophotonics lab at the department. For fabrication of the nano-devices, the NTNU NanoLab cleanroom facility is used.

The open position is connected to the project “Ultraviolet nanowire/graphene laser” (UV-Nanolaser) funded jointly by the NANO2021 program of the Research Council of Norway and NTNU.

The objective of the UV-Nanolaser project is to develop electrically injected semiconductor laser diodes based on positioned AlGaN nanowires grown by MBE on a graphene-based nanohole-mask. The final laser device will incorporate optical feedback based on a combination of Photonic Crystal (PC) effects and Distributed Bragg Reflectors (DBR) in order to develop an electrically injected semiconductor laser operating in the germicidal ultraviolet UVC spectral range (<280 nm). Such lasers are today in high demand for e.g. water, air and surface disinfection of bacteria and viruses and for many applications in medicine, in particular in ophthalmology and dermatology.

The project involves collaboration with international academic partners in Europe and Asia.

You will report to Head of department.

Duties of the position

The Researcher will work on the optical and electrical characterization as well as device fabrication of the UV-nanolasers. Initially, before device fabrication of electrically injected UV nanolasers has been achieved, a major part of the studies will be on the optical characterization and optical pumping-induced lasing of the positioned AlGaN nanowires grown on graphene.

The optical studies will be performed mainly with micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy, using a newly deep UV-upgraded Nanophotonics lab at IES (a ps/fs pulsed Ti:Saph laser with doubler&tripler units and a streak camera system is available). The apparatus allows for room and low (10 K) temperature measurements including polarisation- and time-resolved micro-PL of single nanowires as well as on nanowire arrays. For the UV nanolaser device fabrication, optimised AlGaN nanowire arrays grown on DBR will be processed with photolithography to fabricate electrical contacts to both the graphene bottom transparent electrode on the DBR mirror and for the top electrode of the AlGaN nanowires. The device fabrication will be performed using different tools available in NTNU NanoLab cleanroom facility. All fabricated devices will be examined in a probe station setup equipped with spectrograph and charge-coupled device to obtain electroluminescence spectra. Additionally, the total emitted power will be measured with a dedicated setup to measure the wall-plug-efficiency of the UV nanolasers. The μ-PL experimental setup is also fully suited for optical characterisation of the laser
diodes.

Additional duties:

• Collaboration with the other internal and external project members of the UV nanolaser project including PhD students, postdocs, and engineers
• Writing journal articles and dissemination of results at international conferences and workshops

Required selection criteria

We seek highly qualified individuals holding a PhD degree in physical electronics or physics specialized in semiconductor physics or nanophotonics, or other relevant disciplines. The candidate should have documented experience from optical characterization (time-resolved micro-PL etc.) of heterostructured III-V semiconductor nanostructures (e.g. nanowires, quantum dots).

Excellent English skills, written and spoken, are required. Applicants from non-European countries where English is not the official language must present an official language test report. The following tests can be used as such documentation: TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). Minimum scores are

• TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (Internet-based test)
• IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted)
• CAE/CPE: grade B or A

Preferred selection criteria

• experience in deep UV spectroscopy
• experience in semiconductor device processing in clean room environment

Personal characteristics

• takes responsibility for progress and works independently
• diligent and able to show initiative on behalf of their own work
• creative, proactive and with a positive attitude
• ability to work independently and the ability to work as part of a team
• good communication and presentation skills
• challenges the status quo and promotes new initiatives

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

The gross salary for the position of researcher (code 1109) is normally remunerated at gross from NOK 560 000 - 760 000 before tax per year, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU.

The position is subject to external funding for a periopd of three years.

It is a prerequisite that you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily. 

About the application

The application and supporting documentation must be in English.

Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.

If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result. 

The application must include : 

• CV, certificates and diplomas 
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 10 works) 
• A description of the academic works that you regard as most relevant and that you particularly want to be considered in the assessment 
• Name and address of three referees 
• Research plan, 2-3 pages
• Details of teaching qualifications based on "Documentation of applicant’s teaching qualifications in connection with appointment to an academic position at NTNU” 
• Details of the projects you have managed, with information about funding, duration and size 

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

In the assessment of the best qualified applicant, we will emphasize education, experience and personal suitability as well as your motivation for the position. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA. This means that we pay special attention to the quality and professional breadth of these works. We also consider experience from research management and participation in research projects. We place great emphasis on your scientific work from the last five years.

General information

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted. 

Under the Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.   

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Helge Weman, e-mail: helge.weman@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team at the Faculty: rekrutteringsteam@ie.ntnu.no e-mail: 2021/46009

Please submit your application and supporting documentation via jobbnorge.no. If you are invited for interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas. Mark the application with reference number: 2021/46009

Application deadline: 15.10.2021

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Electronic Systems

The digitalization of Norway is impossible without electronic systems. We are Norway’s leading academic environment in this field, and contribute with our expertise in areas ranging from nanoelectronics, phototonics, signal processing, radio technology and acoustics to satellite technology and autonomous systems. Knowledge of electronic systems is also vital for addressing important challenges in transport, energy, the environment, and health. The Department of Electronic Systems is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering .

Deadline 15th October 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Permanent
Place of service NTNU Gløshaugen