Doctoral student in Physics towards Infrared Hyperspectral Lidar (PA2026/5)

Our division in the Enoch Thulin laboratory develops laser spectroscopic diagnostics techniques for industrial and environmental applications. In the biophotonic sensing group we are experts in light interaction with biological tissue and living organisms. Furthermore, we have a strong tradition of bringing realistic photonic instrumentation into real world scenarios, in particular we developed and investigated environmental applications of Scheimpflug lidar. We pioneered laser remote sensing of insects for more than a decade, both in terms of engineering field deployable sensors and also in terms of fundamental understanding of light interaction with free flying insects. We now aim to push the boundaries for retrieval of nanoscopic information from their surfaces, microstructural information from their gut content as well as relating insect abundance to CO2 and heat convection cells in the atmosphere.

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.
As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

More about being a doctoral student at LTH on lth.se.

The project aims to develop and explore infrared hyperspectral lidar technologi and test multi applications. Within this project we will design a ultrabroadband and a high spectral resolution hyperspectral lidar. The development is done by raytracing, Computer Aided Design and 3D printing. After calibration, the instruments will be tested in field for applications within bloodsucking disease vectors as well as for conservation ecology in relation to windfarms. The field work comprises interdisciplinary collaboration with ecologists in the topics. Validation of the methodologies requires supplementary laboratory reference measurements.

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral programme, which includes participation in research projects as well as third cycle courses, seminars and conferences.

The work duties include:

• Design of ultrabroadband hyperspectral lidar (900-2500 nm) with Sterling cooled HgCdTe focal plane arrays and supercontinuum sources.
• Design a molecular lidar for high resolution mapping of oxygen.
• Raytracing-, Computer Aided Design-, 3D printing- of optomechanical layout.
• Calibrate instrument in domains of: range, cross section, wavelengths.
• Develop laboratory instrumentation and routines for characterization of targets.
• Field- and laboratory measurements of nanostructures on insects.
• Field- and laboratory measurements of microstructure inside insects.
• Field campaign towards blood sucking insect and life stock.
• Field campaign towards insect, bats and wind farms.
• Participate in the groups measurement campaigns and collaborate with group members and interdisciplinary colleagues with researchers in biology and ecology.
• Contribute to popular outreach.
• The duties may also include participation in teaching and other departmental work (however, a maximum of 20% of working hours).

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• 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, physics or an associated field such as optics, photonics, electronics, radar, acoustics, dynamic systems or computation.

Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programmes will be assessed individually. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Physics may be considered for admission.

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

In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• Relevant knowledge in laser optical design, raytracing, mechanics, semiconductor photonics, biophotonics, spectroscopy, instrumentation, measurement techniques, lidar/radar/sonar.
• Experience on experimental optical instrumentation or measurement techniques.
• Good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Good written and oral communication skills good ability to cooperate.
• Very good knowledge of English, spoken and written

For the doctoral programme in question, the following are considered as other qualifications:

• Experience within biophotonics and spectroscopy, courses or projects.
• Experience on Raytracing, CAD or 3D printing.
• Experience in laser instrumentation, image sensors or laser diodes.
• Experience with multi domain calibration of photonic instrumentation.
• Experience of lidar-, radar-, sonar-, accoustics- or antenna activities.
• Exprerience on scientific communation and reporting.
• Showcases of popular scientific outreach, articles, graphics, pod-casts or video.
• Interest in entomology and/or ecology.

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, in particular:

• 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.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

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.

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

More about working at Lund University on lu.se. 

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting date as agreed. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University’s Staffpages. 

Applications shall be written in English and include:

CV and a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the doctoral programme/employment and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. Copies of issued study certificates and/or awarded degree certificates. These must confirm that you meet the general and specific admission requirements for the doctoral programme and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral programme project. Recommendation letter from supervisor documenting independent research activity such as MSc. thesis work or internship. Other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, etc.)

We welcome your application.