Project Assistant in Optical Spectroscopy (PA2024/209)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 45 000 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.

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

Our research group focuses on developing new optical techniques based on the use of structured illumination. This approach is used for the analysis of scattering media such as atomizing sprays and various turbid liquids. Currently we are exploring new possibilities of using structured illumination for measuring accurately the spectra of waste water and for having the possibility of extracting inline measurements. 

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee. Work at Lund University  

The main work duties will consist in developing and testing a novel prototype instrument for measuring spectra within turbid liquids in the UV-Visible range. Ronchi gratings will be used to create a structured illumination and suppress the unwanted contribution from multiple light scattering. Once this is achieved, a second step will consist in evaluating the size of polystyrene spheres within various turbid liquids.    

You will be involved in:

• Suggesting an optical design for the measurement of spectra within turbid liquids
• Constructing an optimized absorption spectrophotometer prototype
• Testing the prototype instrument and improving it
• Comparing results and deducing the advantages/disadvantages of the prototype
• Deducing the most efficient approach for obtaining in-line measurements of accurate spectra
• Testing different turbid liquid media having polystyrene spheres of various size.
• Evaluating a possibility of deducing the size of polystyrene spheres.   

This project will be based on some exchanges together with the start-up company Spec-Imaging AB.The project will be mostly done at the Department of Physics with some part of it involved at the start-up company Spec-Imaging AB.

Required qualifications for the position:

• A B.Sc. in Engineering Physics.
• Experience in designing and combining together optical components.
• Experience with the use of digital cameras.
• Excellent skills in Matlab and/or Python.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Additional qualifications for the position:

• Experience in the use of “structured illumination” is beneficial for this project.
• Interest and knowledge on spectroscopy is beneficial.
• Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills.

The position is a fixed termed position for six months, 50 % of full time, 2024-03-15 until 2024-09-15.

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificates or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome with your application!