Researcher with specialization in high power microwave engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over ten divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 125 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities. Read more at www.physics.uu.se.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is hosting the FREIA Division responsible for the FREIA Laboratory, where research is performed towards future particle accelerators and instrumentation. The FREIA laboratory operates complex equipment such as superconducting cryostats and microwave equipment for developing and testing particle accelerator instrumentation. Current projects are related to the: European Spallation Source (ESS), MAX IV Laboratory, High Luminosity upgrade of the LHC at CERN, development of free-electron lasers, and development of a compact X-ray laser and instrumentation in Uppsala.

The candidate is offered the opportunity to work in an exciting modern research area in physics and will have opportunities to interact and collaborate with leading groups in experimental physics and technology.

Project description: The FREIA Laboratory is engaged in the development of new RF/MW high power amplifiers based on solid state transistors in LDMOS and GaN technologies, for particle accelerators and other industrial applications. One project is related to the development of solid-state power amplifier technology for the production of radioisotopes for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners. These amplifiers at multiple kilowatts level will be used to replace existing vacuum tube amplifiers. The PET scan technology has been under-researched and -developed for many years, and it is still an ongoing research on improving the diagnostic methods for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. One of the major components of the PET scanner is cyclotron for accelerating particles. A cyclotron is the most sophisticated part of a PET installation. It makes a strong electric field to accelerate particles, results in radioisotopes. Hence, more cyclotrons could be deployed even in remote areas, resulting a cheap and fast treatment. The research project will include a mix of theoretical and experimental work, with specialization on advanced high-power microwave engineering. The candidate will have the opportunity to study the design of high efficiency RF and microwave solid state power amplifiers (SSPA) and combiner at high power (kW) based on novel high-power transistors and to investigate novel power combination strategies, towards improving the overall efficiency of microwave power stations for particle accelerators and other applications. The researcher will therefore profit significantly from the excellent measurement infrastructure available at FREIA laboratory and Ångström.

Work description:

• Develop high efficiency RF solid state power amplifiers (SSA) at multiple kilowatts level
• Develop low losses high power RF combiners
• Characterize novel high-power transistors
• Participate in the testing of RF cavities and the operation of the FREIA laboratory
• Participate in the development of the RF systems for national and international accelerator projects such as ESS, CLIC, AWAKE and THz FEL

Requirements: the applicant must have a Swedish doctoral degree, or a foreign degree that is deemed to correspond to a Swedish doctoral degree. We are looking for qualified and motivated candidates with a strong interest in accelerator physics and/or microwave engineering. The candidate must have completed a course in microwave technology or equivalent.

Additional qualifications: The applicant should preferably have experience in calculation techniques and experimental methods or microwave engineering and amplifier design. Excellent ratings are an advantage. The candidate should preferable have experience with the use of a microwave network analyzer (VNA), software for calculating EM-fields like HFSS, CST or similar and be familiar with the main concepts. It is favorable to demonstrate the ability to apply for research grants from external sources. Very good oral and written proficiency in English is a requirement as well as the capacity to work both independently and in a team.

Applications could be written in Swedish or English and should include a brief description of research interests and relevant experience, CV, copies of certificates and diplomas, PhD thesis (or a draft thereof), PhD diploma and these and other documents which the applicant wishes to refer to. The applicant is invited to provide names and contact details of referees and/or attach recommendation letters.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting: 01-09-2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position 2 years according to central collective agreement.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Dragos Dancila, e-mail: dragos.dancila@angstrom.uu.se, phone +46 72 366 31 80.

Please submit your application by 1 July 2021, UFV-PA 2021/2552.

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