Postdoctoral researcher - Optics and Lasers

temporary position with 1-year contract (with possible prolongation for another year), non-academic


12. 07. 2021 22.23 hod.
Od: Róbert Jajcay

Workplace: Department of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University of Bratislava, Slovakia

Type of contract: temporary position with 1-year contract (with possible prolongation for another year), non-academic

Working hours: 1 FTE (full-time employment of 37,5 hours per week)

Expected Start Date: October 2021 or negotiable with respect to immigration timelines for non EU candidates

Number of Open Positions:  1 
Pay:
approx. 1500 €/month
Application Deadline: 15.08.2021

About the workplace:

Comenius University in Bratislava (UK) is a modern European university which in 2019 celebrated its 100th anniversary. It is the only Slovak university to be regularly ranked in the international rankings of the best universities in the world.

The Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics (FMPI) is consistently ranked as the best faculty in Slovakia. Such a high standing has been achieved thanks to the quality of our teachers and researchers, our openness, a broad international collaboration, and also thanks to our exceptional students. The faculty provides an environment that places high demands on students' skills, but also builds on mutual respect and friendly relationships between students and staff. Such an environment is a prerequisite to high quality education, exceptional research, and successful professional development of our students and staff. Our vision is to provide world class education programs based on high quality research with active student participation. 

Department of Experimental Physics (KEF) at the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University provides research topics covering a wide range of problems from fundamental questions about the macroscopic effects of quantum mechanics, through the study of new states of matter, to the applications of experimental physics. The research at the department follows modern trends in solid state physics, plasma physics, optics, and radio-physics from both experimental and theoretical point of view.

Job description

The postdoc will work within the research group of Optics and Lasers that is part of the KEF and that is responsible for the laboratory of plasma-induced breakdown spectroscopy. The main activities of the group are experimental investigations on laser spectroscopy for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Particularly, single and double pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, fast and ultrafast lasers (ns, ps, ft), fiber laser or OPO, plasma re-excitation (R-LIBS, RE-LIBS, LIBS-LIF), molecular spectroscopy (LAMIS, CRM) and combinations of the techniques related to the above fields. Experimental activities are supported by chemometric methods and computer simulations.

The postdoc is namely expected to realize and evaluate experiments based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Different pulse width Nd:YAG lasers and a tunable OPO are expected to comprise the main tool. The diagnostic methods include laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), Raman, laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry (LAMIS). Some of them have a long tradition at the workplace, such as LIBS, other (Raman, LIF, LAMIS) should be assembled by the applicant. It is expected that the postdoc, in optimum case skilled in laser-based plasma diagnostic methods, optical emission spectroscopy, intensified CCD plasma imaging and/or electrical characterization of plasmas, will be a part of the team closely collaborating with other institutions from the Slovak Republic (e.g., International Laser Center) and from abroad to implement the novel approaches and methods to deepen the understanding of investigated plasma-based techniques. Also, as part of the mission of the CU, successful applicants are also expected to contribute to the teaching activities of the KEF.

Key Duties: 

  • to get acquainted with devices, approaches and methods for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
  • to set up the experiment and independently carry out the experimental work for characterization of studied samples using LIBS.
  • to analyze the measured data and to use these results as feedback for establishing further experiments
  • to participate in the research activities and projects with other colleagues
  • to publish the research outputs and present them at international conferences and workshops
  • to propose and develop new areas of research within the research group
  • to participate in the preparing the research project proposals, including international funding opportunities.

Skills, Qualifications and Requirements

The applicant (age under 35 years old) must have: 

  • Ph.D. Degree in Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or nearby scientific fields, eventually to be close to the successful finishing of the Ph.D. study, completed maximum 3 years before the intended start of the postdoc (i.e. not before Oct 2018).
  • solid knowledge and experience in laser physics, optical spectroscopy, plasmas and chemistry.
  • skills in numerical treatment of measured data (e.g., in Matlab/Octave, Python or similar)
  • good communication skills (oral and written) in English. Spanish or French are welcome. No diploma is mandatory.
  • publication record in peer-reviewed journals

The applicant should have: 

  • a strong motivation for research and to be able to contribute with creative ideas, be ready to work independently as well as in a group, be prepared to collaborate with scientists from other research groups and/or universities, and be able to co-manage students. 

For detailed information on the positions of postdocs, please contact Prof. Pavel Veis (pavel.veisfmph.uniba.sk) or Dr. Alicia Marín Roldán (roldan2uniba.sk).

More information on the postdoc positions at FMPI in general can be found at the websites below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD8XZISCe40 

We Offer 

  • International workplace with a motivated team of researchers and students
  • Worldwide contacts and broad cooperating network of international teams
  • An interesting job in a dynamically-expanding university area
  • Flexible working hours and occasional home office to support personal needs in family and career
  • Employee benefits such as 35-40 days of paid vacation per year (depending on your age), pension insurance contribution, meal vouchers

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit following documents by e-mail to Prof. Pavel Veis (pavel.veisfmph.uniba.sk) by August 15th 2021: 

  • CV with a list of recent publications
  • copy of PhD diploma
  • recommendation letter
  • brief motivation letter 

Selection Process 

Received applications will be considered carefully in line with principles of the CU. Selection criteria:

(i) meeting qualification requirements described above,

(ii) all required documents provided. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal or online interview. 

FMFI, UK is an equal opportunity employer. We support diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

We are looking forward to hearing from you!