Doctoral student in physics with specialization in theory of topological superconductor-semiconductor hybrid structures

Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Physics

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has 40 000 students and more than 8 000 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

LTH forms the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University, with approximately 9 000 students. The research carried out at LTH is of a high international standard and we are continuously developing our teaching methods and adapting our courses to current needs.

The Department of Physics is with a staff of about 350 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.

The research at the division of Solid State Physics is focused around different aspects of semiconductor physics, ranging from materials science to quantum physics, to different applications. The division also leads NanoLund, the major interdisciplinary research environment within nanoscience and nanotechnology at Lund University.

Research on semiconductor nanowires is an area where the division of Solid State Physics is at the international forefront. The research includes both material growth and characterization of nanowires, as well as their use in different devices and in, for example, fundamental quantum physics experiments. Theoretical research on nanowires is conducted in close collaboration with the experimental activities. This position is based on a close collaboration with the Center for Quantum Devices (QDev) at University of Copenhagen.

More information can be found at: www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lth.se, www.qdev.nbi.ku.dk/

Work duties
The project is within condensed matter theory and is focused on new physics and phenomenology of nonlocal and nonabelian topological systems. It is a part of a newly established research program sponsored by an ERC Synergy grant that involves advanced experimental and theoretical projects working closely together. This gives a unique opportunity for participating in a creative project where theory and experiment together explore new physics. The project is carried out in close collaboration with groups at the nearby (1 hour by train) Center for Quantum Devices, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen.

The research is on hybrid superconductor-semiconductor structures and the overarching goal of the project is to demonstrate the existence of nonlocal and nonabelian quasiparticles.

The experimental groups are led by Ferdinand Kuemmeth and Charles Marcus, the theory groups are led by Karsten Flensberg and Martin Leijnse.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• 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 he or she 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.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Other assessment criteria

• We expect that your undergraduate studies include courses in physics, especially theoretical physics, quantum mechanics, and solid state physics.
• Experience and ability to work theoretically/mathematically is essential, and courses in advanced quantum mechanics for condensed matter systems are highly meriting.
• Experience from programming and numerical work is considered meriting.

Basis of assessment
Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme. Important personal qualities are, beside creativity, curious mind and drive, the ability to work both independently and in a group and experience in the scientific interaction with researchers from other disciplines and in other countries and drive.

Terms of employment
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. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

We have full understanding for current restrictions regarding moving and travel and the starting date will be set according to agreement.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications should be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, a copy of the thesis or equivalent or a summary in case the work is not completed and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset. We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.