Doctoral student in Physics focusing on theoretical analysis of superfluids

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Description of the workplace
The appointment will be at the Division of Mathematical Physics (LTH) at the Physics Department, Lund University. The Division has a long tradition of research on many-body quantum physics, with a topical range from nucleir to condensed matter systems. It is a joint division hosting research groups from both the technical faculty (LTH) and the Science Faculty (SF) at Lund University. The research teams’ main direction of work is the theory of ultra-cold atomic quantum gases.

Work duties
This PhD project sets focus on investigating, describing, and modelling phenomena and properties of ultra-cold atomic quantum gases and liquids that can be described in the framework of many-body quantum physics. The doctoral student is expected to work in the field of theoretical many-particle quantum physics. Focus is on the development of theoretical models to describe the properties of heteronuclear Bose-Einstein kondensat and similar superfluids. The theoretical work will focus on the theoretical modelling and understanding of new quantum-optical systems where quantum fluctuations prevail. The work will imply both analytical calculations and numerical simulations.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).


Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in Physics if he or she has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Courses and master thesis in theoretical physics

Assessment criteria
Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels. The following are considered:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. The assessment can be made for example based on the master thesis work and a discussion of it during a possible interview.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Good knowledge and prior experience of research in the theory of ultra-cold atomic quantum gases and many-body quantum physics
• Basic knowledge in programming, for example in C++ or Cuda
• Experience with the modelling of ultra-cold systems, such as Monte Carlo-, Gross-Pitaevskii and Bogoliubov-de Gennes methods or similar

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of Employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

We intend to employ 1-2 doctoral students.


Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, a copy of the degree project or equivalent, or a summary if the project has not been completed, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

You are also kindly asked to reply to the selection questions which are the first step in the selection process.

Welcome with your application! 

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.

LTH is Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and work hard for the development of society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative advancements in technology, architecture and design. We have nearly 10,000 students. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 theses and 2 000 scientific findings. In addition, many of our research and degree projects are transformed into innovations. Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.

The Department of Physics is with a staff of about 400 scientists and educators one of the largest departments within Lund University. There are seven research divisions and a number of research centra within the department. The research activities at the department cover a broad spectrum of modern physics. www.fysik.lu.se/english.

We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.

Login and apply