PhD position in Nonlinear Near-field Microscopy and Nanophotonics

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering promotes research and education for sustainable development, for improved health and quality of life. Our research ranges from natural science and bioscience, applied chemistry and biotechnology to chemical engineering. Our educational programs are characterized by technological solutions for improving people’s everyday life, and are continuously developed for meeting and promoting societal and industrial development.

We have approximately 380 employees, divided into five research divisions and one administrative unit. We are situated at campus Johanneberg.

Our department is characterized by stimulation of world leading research, in an environment where people develop and create new knowledge.Information about the research
A highly attractive PhD-position is offered on the development of a new approach of near-field scanning probe microscopy for studies of nonlinear plasmonics in metallic nanostructures at nanometer resolution in order to design highly efficient nano-sensors and laser-like nano-emitters based on nonlinear optical phenomena (four-wave mixing, second and third harmonic generation etc.) with attractive properties such as frequency conversion and coherent light emission. Experimental results will be compared with theoretical modelling (FDTD computations) of nanoholes, nanoantennas and different nanoparticles. The scientific work will consist of 2/3 versus 1/3 of experimental and theoretical work, respectively. The candidate will be trained in an EU-supported Marie Curie Initial Training Network, FINON, with 11 other PhD students in Sweden, France, UK, Switzerland, and Germany. All students will work on different approaches and applications of Nonlinear Nanoscopy, and meet up twice a year to exchange experience and results. It forms an exceptionally attractive training environment for ambitious researchers, with joint workshops and courses, secondments in the photonics/pharmacology industry, international collaboration with academic and industrial partners, a mentorship program and support in career development.  

Major responsibilities
Summary of tasks and methodology:



• Nonlinear nearfield microscopy: identify probes and excitation schemes enabling collection of nearfield nonlinear emission (2-photon fluorescence, SHG, THG, CARS, FWM etc.) from metallic nanostructures

• AFM combined with nonlinear nearfield microscopy

• Synthesis and analysis of metallic nanoparticles

• Theoretical (FDTD) computations (Lumerical solutions)

• Measurements of nonlinear nearfields from different nanostructures; comparison with AFM images and computations

• Identify nanostructure designs which could function as nanolasers and nanophotonic sensors with a series of interesting applications foreseen. 

Your major responsibility as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies including the FINON training program. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing (English). The position also includes outreach activities to the general audience at e.g. Science Festivals.  

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five 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 MSc in Physics, Photonics and/or Nanosciences not later than 2 years ago.

Fluent/excellent ability in written and spoken English is a strict requirement.

Conditions of international mobility: Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.

Personal qualities
We aim to conduct front-line research at highest international level and want a candidate who shares our high ambitions. Important qualities of the candidate are enthusiasm, a positive attitude in general, be able to drive and conclude projects, formulate results in well-disposed and well-written reports, take own initiatives and develop/discuss own ideas, listen to and be responsive to other opinions, be a mature and responsible person, tolerate occasional periods of high work load and stress, be result-oriented and persistent, be creative and have good analytical skill, be able to say "I don't know" and take it as a challenge to seek for new knowledge. The candidate should contribute to the friendly and open environment in the group and the FINON Network, were we offer mutual help and support without any prestige.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20130247 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.

Application deadline: November 30, 2013

For questions, please contact:
Assoc. Prof. Annika Enejder, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, enejder@chalmers.se 





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