Doctoral student in Physics directed towards laser-based methods for characterization of soot (PA2022/1933)

• Are you interested in fundamental physics and interested in applying your knowledge in the environmental area?
• Are you interested in measurement techniques based on lasers/optics/spectroscopy?
• Would you like to contribute to an increased understanding of soot formation and the impact of soot on the climate?
• Would you like to work in a research environment in collaborations with other researchers, nationally as well as internationally?
• Are you challenged by experimental work in modern laser laboratories as well as advanced data analysis and modelling?
• Do you like to challenge yourself and develop your skills?

Then it might be you we are looking for!

The Division of Combustion Physics carries out research with a distinct focus on development of laser spectroscopic techniques for solving future societal challenges in the engineering area within various application areas such as combustion processes, gasification, catalysis, remote sensing, ecology, biophotonics, etc. The Division has an extensive network within the Faculty of Engineering (LTH), with other universities, nationally as well as internationally, and with the industry. The Division is since 2001 located in modern premises housed in the Enoch Thulin Laboratory at the Dep. of Physics and there are currently about 65 employees.

Human health and global climate are adversely affected by aerosol soot emissions. Qualitative and quantitative measurements of these emissions are challenging, and there is a lack of non-destructive techniques allowing monitoring both their concentration and characteristics. To increase our knowledge in this area, we develop and apply advanced methods to study the nano-structure, morphology and optical properties of soot in the aerosol phase, and detect these particles in the atmosphere.

The overall aim of the PhD-project is to develop and apply several state-of-the-art laser-based diagnostic techniques to probe structural, chemical, and optical properties of aerosol soot at elevated distances. Various laser-based methods such as online Raman spectroscopy, in situ ultra violet absorption spectroscopy, Scheimpflug lidar will be developed and applied in studying soot aerosols at the laboratory and in the field, also in terms of sizes, concentrations and optical properties.  Additional measurements will be performed on sampled soot using e.g. electron microscopy and mass spectrometry. The experimental work includes planning and setting up of experiments and performing measurement campaigns.

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%).

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.

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

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good knowledge in programming such as Matlab or Python or similar.

• Experienced in constructing and designing optical systems using Zemax or other software.
• Knowledge within the areas laser spectroscopy, atomic- and molecular physics, aerosol physics, and non-linear optics, acquired through university courses or other high-level education.
• Practical experience from one or several of the aforementioned areas.
• Knowledge and experience in pedagogics.

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:

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

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, personal adequacy, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

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 §§.

Applications must 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 Master thesis work or at least a summary if it is still unfinished, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, English certificates, etc.).

You are also asked to answer the selection questions.

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.