Postdoctoral Position in X-ray Instrumentation for X-ray Imaging

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Physics (www.sljus.lu.se) is a part of the Department of Physics and has more than 50 employees. The focus of the research is experimental studies of electronic, structural and chemical properties of materials, accelerators for synchrotron radiation and instruments and methods for synchrotron radiation. At the Division we use and develop a wide range of synchrotron- and lab-based techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy/imaging and X-ray diffraction/imaging. We also host one of Sweden’s largest facilities for scanning probe microscopy. We are additionally engaged in the development of the MAX IV Laboratory in the fields of beamlines, experimental stations, techniques for synchrotron radiation and the accelerator systems.

NanoLund (http://www.nano.lu.se), formerly known as the Nanometer Structure Consortium, founded in 1988, supports and c-oordinates activities within nanoscience and nanotechnology at Lund University. NanoLund is today Sweden’s largest research environment for nanoscience, engaging approximately 250 PhD students and scientists in the faculties of engineering, the natural sciences, and medicine at Lund University. Its vision is to bring together the most creative minds in a world-leading interdisciplinary research environment to help overcome society’s grand challenges by pushing the frontiers of nanoscience. NanoLund runs Lund Nano Lab (http://www.nano.lu.se/lundnanolab-2), a state-of-the-art facility for nanofabrication. For more information about the main supervisor of the project, please see http://www.nano.lu.se/pablo.villanueva.

Subject description

X-rays have a unique ability to investigate samples in their natural state, such as cells, proteins in solution or electronic devices potentially at resolutions up to the atomic level. The advent of diffraction-limited storage rings (MAX IV) and X-ray free-electron lasers (European XFEL) has opened a whole new spectrum of applications due to their unprecedented brilliance. This project aims to develop a novel X-ray imaging method, christened X-ray multi-projection imaging (XMPI), capable of filming processes in 3D, with temporal resolution several orders of magnitude faster than up-to-date 3D X-ray imaging techniques.

Work duties

In particular, the candidate will work on the design and development of XMPI. This development implies building the experimental setup and establishing control and acquisition strategies.

The created setup will be tested and commissioned in different synchrotron radiation facilities: MAX IV (Sweden), ESRF (France), SLS (Switzerland), PETRA III (Germany), and possibly other international synchrotron facilities. In parallel, it will also be commissioned at the European XFEL in Germany.

The project is experimental. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Participate in developing a novel X-ray imaging technique that exploits the unique capabilities of MAX IV and the European XFEL.
• Develop a portable setup for X-ray imaging.
• Establish new acquisition systems for 3D X-ray imaging.
• Perform experiments on novel biomaterials (cellulose fibres) and address fundamental questions to replace fossil-based materials, such as plastics.

The work will be performed in collaboration with several other researchers at the institute as well as a number of PhD students and Master students.

The candidate will have significant freedom and is expected to take initiatives and drive the project quite independently.

The main duties involved in a postdoctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher-education teaching and learning.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a postdoctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• The subject of the doctoral degree should be in physics or equivalent.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career-development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a postdoctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high-quality research.
• Teaching skills, or related experience, such as mentoring, supervision, or training in equipment use.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience in synchrotron X-ray instrumentation.
• Experience in instrumentation and controls in general.
• Experience in X-ray sources, detectors and imaging.
• Experience with programming.
• Experience with optics, and specifically X-ray optics.
• Experience in 3D imaging.
• Knowledge in X-ray diffraction and crystals.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of two years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF file containing:

• Résumé/CV, including a list of publications.
• A general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
  contact information of at least two references.
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.

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.

To apply, please click the button “Login and apply”.

Type of employment: temporary position longer than six months
Contract type: full-time
First day of employment: as soon as possible
Salary: monthly salary
Number of positions: 1
Working hours: 100%
City: Lund
County: Skåne län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: PA2020/3618
Contact: Pablo Villanueva Perez, Associate senior lecturer, +46 46 222 3813 or Magdalena Brossing, HR coordinator, +46 46 222 95 62
Union representative: OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-222 93 62
SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, 046-222 93 64