PhD student position in the Group for Advanced Receiver Development

Curiosity is the driving force behind the research at the Department of Earth and Space Sciences and our goals are to find new knowledge about space, our earth and our future energy supply. Through observations of the universe as well as earth, we make predictions about the future and promote sustainable development. To reach our goals, we develop highly sensitive measuring instruments and observational methods, as well as advanced algorithms for data analysis and theoretical models.

The department has roughly 110 employees, divided into eight research groups and one administrative group. We are situated at campus Johanneberg and Onsala Space Observatory.Information about the research
The Group for Advanced Receiver Development (GARD) carries research in the field of Terahertz technology. GARD research activities include elements of low-temperature physics, superconducting electronics, material science and thin-film technology. This research has main applications in instrumentation for radio astronomy and environmental sciences. Being internationally recognized with its state-of-art Terahertz instrumentation, GARD was and is participating in major large-scale international projects, such as Herschel HIFI, ALMA and APEX. 

For more information, please visit our web-page http://www.chalmers.se/rss/EN/research/research-groups/advanced-receiver.

Major responsibilities
The prospective PhD student will research on superconducting THz electronics based on ultra-thin films, and especially Hot Electron Bolometers (HEB) mixers. Novel material combinations and HEB receiver designs for Radio-Astronomy observation above 1 THz will be considered and studied theoretically and experimentally, from the material elaboration to the devices and systems performance points of view.

The prospective PhD student will:   




• consider, choose and apply superconducting material deposition techniques

• consider, choose and apply superconducting material structure and properties characterization methods.

• design, optimize, fabricate and measure test structures and devices employing the suggested materials and corresponding fabrication approach

• Implement, integrate and evaluate the fabricated devices and circuits in complete receiver systems

• analyze the findings, formulate conclusions, present and publish the results.


Your major responsibilities as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
We are looking for a person with a Master degree (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, applied physics or material sciences. Grade above average are required, excellent grades are advantageous. In addition, it is an advantage to have a strong background in microwave/wireless engineering and/or  superconducting electronics/materials.

The following skills and experience are mandatory for performing the duties:




• Practical skills in ultra-thin films processing and experience in cleanroom environment

• Hands-on experience in microwave engineering: measurements and characterisation

• Proficiency in using 3D microwave simulation software (at least, HFSS and EMpro)

• Documented English language proficiency both in reading and writing are required. (A copy of master thesis in English would do)

• High motivation and ability to work in a team.

• Easy learning ability

• Good communication (oral and written) in English

• Ability to work in multi-cultural environment and general social competence are highly essential.


Other useful experiences and skills are:




• Proficiency in mathematical (Matlab) and computer programing (C++)

• Good computer skills (MS Windows and Office)

• Hands-on experience with superconducting ultra-thin films and superconducting electronics is an advantage.


To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in Swedish and English. If Swedish is not your native language, you should be able to teach in Swedish after two years. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20130163 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.

Application deadline: 2013-07-02

For questions, please contact:

Docent. V. Desmaris (GARD), vincent.desmaris@chalmers.se, +46317721846
Dr D. Meledin (GARD), denis.meledin@chalmers.se, +46317721842
Prof. V. Belitsky  (GARD), victor.belitsky@chalmers.se, +46317721893