PhD student position in intense laser-matter interactions

Department of Applied Physics at Chalmers - home of the Graphene Flagship
Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and a sustainable society, the ambition of the department of Applied Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, learning and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking our top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects. We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials such as graphene to direct industrial projects generating new inventions. We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering. 

The department is the major part of Gothenburg Physics Centre – a collaboration between five departments at Chalmers and Gothenburg University.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Information about the division
The division of Condensed Matter Theory has recently taken steps to form a strong activity in the field of intense laser-matter interactions, in particular in the domain of large-scale computations for strong field plasmas. The field of laser-matter interactions has as one branch the study of light ion acceleration. Our activity in the latter field is supported by the Knut & Alice Wallenberg research grant "Plasma based compact ion sources" (PLIONA), and we will require further expertise in plasma physics, numerical development, and laser-matter interactions. 

Major responsibilities
The candidate is expected to work on problems related to both current and future intensity regimes, and the work is also closely tied to experimental activities within the KAW project "Plasma based compact ion sources". Developing analytical and numerical tools for the interpretation of data from both numerical tests and experiments with intense laser-foil interactions will be the main part of the research. Interactions with national and international research groups is an important part of the project.    

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The employment is composed of a maximum full-time four-year doctoral programme and a maximum one year of department duties, including teaching, equivalent to a maximum of 20 % of the total working time. The employment is thus limited to a total of five years. The employment is tied to successful progress of doctoral studies, evaluated at one and three years.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Physics and experience in plasma physics, physics of laser-matter interactions and parallel computing.

The position requires good communication skills in written and spoken English. Applicants who do not have English or a Scandinavian language as their mother tongue need to provide documentation of  good communication skills in English, typically evidenced by an English language test, for example TOEFL 550 (paper-based)/TOEFL 213 (computer-based), and exemplified during the interview process prior to admission.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20150276 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.


Application deadline: August 20, 2015

For questions, please contact:
Professor Mattias Marklund,
Condensed matter theory,
marklund@chalmers.se, 
+46 31-772 3939

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!