The Marie-Curie-Sklodowska initial training network SIMDALEE2-Network (www.simdalee2.net) is seeking for candidates for a PhD Thesis at the Vienna University of Technology. The PhD-Thesis of the Marie Curie fellow at the TUVienna will be of combined experimental/theoretical nature.

The (tentative) title reads: "Secondary Electron Electron Energy Loss Coincidence Spectroscopy of Nanostructured Surfaces"

The aim of the work at TU Vienna is to establish a certified model for the transport and emission of low energy electrons from (nanostructured) solid surfaces. In order to achieve this goal, a theoretical model for low energy electron transport needs to be established. This will be done by developing a software toolbox for electron transport (cooperation with UoY, York), which will be verified by comparison with the energy dependent secondary electron yields measured in absolute units (Cooperation with CERN, Geneva) , as well as with benchmark low energy electron emission spectra measured in coincidence with energy losses of the primaries. These measurements will be carried out in Vienna using secondary electron-electron energy loss coincidence spectroscopy. The successful candidate is expected to run this experiment, analyse the data and compare the results with model calculations. In order to carry out the work planned in Vienna, modifications (both software, hardware and perhaps even acquisition electronics) of an existing UHV secondary electron-electron energy loss coincidence spectrometer (SE2ELCS) are envisioned and the successful candidate is expected to be willing to participate in this endeavour.

Preferred skills of successful candidates (or skills to be acquired soon after starting the work):

• good command of the English language in speech and writing
• clarity in exposing physical ideas and presenting physical results in written form (i.e. reports, theses, publications)
• ability and willingness to achieve the goals stated above in a small team (4-6 hardworking people)
• good knowledge of solid state physics and/or surface physics
• ability in physical modelling
• experience in UHV techniques
• experience in electron beam techniques
• basic knowledge in digital electronics and data-acquisition
• good IT skills running a LINUX system, writing bash scripts, writing programs in C
• extensively used software in our group: gnuplot, Latex, linux, C(++), bash, Fortran
• support the management of the project
• support the organisation of project meetings etc.

Payment is according to the scheme for PhD-students in Austria (€ 2.662,90 before tax) plus an additional (tax-free) mobility allowance of approximately 700€.

Further information is available at: http://zepto.iap.tuwien.ac.at/SIMDALEE2/public:vacancies:goals_skills_esr1