PhD Position in Experimental Physics - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Relativistic Attosecond Physics Laboratory (REAL, www.realumu.org), at the Department of Physics at Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-physics/) is looking for a PhD student in experimental physics for a project aimed at ‘Relativistic laser-nanoplasma interaction’. Application deadline is October 21, 2022. Starting date is November 1, 2022 (can be negotiated).

Project Description
The selected candidate will work within the research project ‘Relativistic nanophotonics’. The unique combination of sub-two optical cycle laser pulse duration (<5 fs) and ultra-high intensities (>10^18 W/cm^2) – more details can be found here D. E. Rivas et al., Sci. Rep. 7, 5224 (2017) – opens the way towards field-controlled relativistic interactions. When nanometer-sized solid targets are used, the so-called relativistic nanophotonics regime – D. E. Cardenas et al., Sci. Rep. 9, 7321 (2019) –, these interactions involve the acceleration of electrons with highest fields beyond TV/m strength and shortest duration below 1 fs.

The actual research will focus on the application of a unique 100-TW few-cycle laser (the so-called Light Wave Synthesizer 100) to relativistic nanophotonics with the aim to generate sub-femtosecond electron bunches and high-order harmonics. The main goal of the project is to shift nanophotonics into the relativistic realm and investigate its applicability as a novel particle source.

Competence requirements
To fulfil the general entry requirements, the applicant must have qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at second-cycle level, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits including at least 60 ECTS credits at second-cycle level. To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level within the subject of experimental physics, the applicant is required to have completed courses within the field of physics comprising at least 120 credits. The requirements must be met at the time of admission to the doctoral program and do not have to be met at the time of application. The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen). The candidate must be highly motivated and have the ability to work independently as well as a part of the research group. The applicant is required to be fluent in both oral and written English. Interest in experimental work and numerical simulations is a requirement. A master degree (or equivalent), experience in experimental laboratory research, including optics, electronics, LabVIEW, MATLAB, and lasers will be seen as an advantage.

Terms of employment
The position is a full-time employment that extends up to four years. If part-time teaching (max 20%) is offered, then the period of employment can be extended up to five years. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.

Application
The application should include:
1. A cover letter with a brief description of qualifications, research interests, and motivation (<1 page).
2. Curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Verified copies of relevant degree certificate(s) translated into English or Swedish.
4. A list of university courses with grades. Note that for international applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
5. A copy of master thesis and publications (if any).
6. Contact information of two or three reference persons.

Information
For more information contact Professor Laszlo Veisz, laszlo.veisz@umu.se
Applications must be submitted no later than October 21th 2022 via e-recruitment system Varbi. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. All documents should be uploaded in pdf format. 

We look forward to receiving your application!