Postdoc in computational physics of laser-matter interactions

Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and society, our ambition is to foster a creative environment for academic research, teaching and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking 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 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.

We are situated in a stimulating and creative environment with 200 physics teachers and researchers, 120 PhD students and 550 undergraduate students.
Information about the research/the project/the division
The group conducts theoretical research in the field of laser-matter interactions, in particular that related to high-intensity lasers. Our activity also has strong connections to experiments, in particular concerning particle acceleration studies. The research has two main lines, one being the application of analytical and numerical tools for current laser-matter experiments, in particular electron and hadron acceleration, the second being geared towards developing models and tools for ultrahigh-intensity processes in plasmas, such as nonlinear Compton scattering, radiation reaction, and Breit-Wheeler processes. Thus, we use both purely analytical methods, such as field theory approaches, as well as large-scale computational tools (particle-in-cell codes in conjunction with Monte Carlo modules).

We are currently a small research group, but are expected to expand over the next few years due to external funding. We belong to the Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) Division, and there are ample opportunities for collaborations and interdisciplinary studies within the division. The CMT Division belongs to the Department of Applied Physics, which is one of the most active physics research institutions in Sweden. It also houses the EU Graphene Flagship project.

Major responsibilities
Your task in our research group is to handle and develop particle-in-cell codes for laser-plasma computations, as well as being part in the development of analytical tools for high-energy processes in laser-generated plasmas. The particle-in-cell codes are currently runnig on machines in the Swedish National Supercomputer Network, where we have large time allocations. Another important task is to be part of our ongoing collaboration with experimental activities in the field of laser-matter interactions. 

Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. The position also includes teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
It is required that you have a strong background in computational and theoretical laser-plasma physics. A background in the development in your own particle-in-cell schemes is an advantage, as well as proven skill in parallel computing. Previous experimental collaborations will be viewed as positive, as is work on laser-based particle acceleration. We also wish that you have strong analytical capabilities, in particular in modeling of strongly nonlinear processes in plasmas. 

To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree in a relevant field; the degree should generally not be older than three years. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

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 on undergraduate level after two years. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Application deadline: 2013-10-09

For questions, please contact:
Professor Mattias Marklund
mattias.marklund@chalmers.se
+46 (0)31 772 3939




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