Summer Worker SoftiMAX Beamline
Lunds universitet, MAX IV, Science Division / Laborantjobb / Lund
2026-03-11
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Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.
The SoftiMAX beamline at MAX IV Laboratory is offering an 8-week summer student project focused on extending the lifetime of STXM zone plates through controlled in-house cleaning and process validation.
Background / motivation
In soft X-ray Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM), the zone plate is the main focusing optic and a critical, high-value component. During experiments the zone plate can be illuminated for days to weeks by intense soft X-rays (250-2500 eV) under vacuum (~105 mbar). In the presence of residual hydrocarbons this often leads to visible carbon contamination (also observed on other optical surfaces), degrading performance. Developing a gentle, repeatable cleaning process would directly benefit beamline operations and user experiments by keeping zone plates usable for longer.
Project goal
Design, implement, and characterize a gentle UV/ozone-based cleaning method in a controlled atmosphere, and establish a repeatable "dose vs. carbon removal" recipe using test samples. The work will include both hardware and measurement/validation.
What you will do
- Prepare and contaminate test substrates (Si3N4 chips) using an in-house carbon deposition system to create controlled "carbon layers"
- Build and instrument a small UV/ozone cleaning chamber (stainless/quartz, fume hood compatible), with basic sensing (e.g., ozone trend, humidity/temperature) and safe operating procedures
- Implement a simple controller/data logger (Arduino or Raspberry Pi) to run reproducible cleaning cycles (timing, purge steps, logging)
- Quantify cleaning performance and repeatability using optical inspection (optical microscope) and, where available, access to advanced characterization methods (potentially including STXM and/or AFM)
- Deliver a short operating procedure and recommended cleaning parameters suitable for routine beamline use, plus a brief report of results.
Who you are
- Background in Physics, Engineering, Electronics, Materials Science, or a related field
- Comfortable with hands-on lab work and basic instrumentation
- Experience (or strong interest) in programming microcontrollers / embedded systems (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Python, C/C++)
- Interest in microscopy, surface science, vacuum systems, optics, or beamline instrumentation is a plus
- Safety-minded and conscientious with experimental procedures.
What you get
- A practical R&D project with clear real-world impact on a national research facility
- Experience with soft X-ray microscopy instrumentation, vacuum/optics, and surface characterization
- A fun, hands-on build + measurement project with room for creativity and ownership
Practical details
Duration: ~8 weeks (summer 2026), flexible start date.
Location: MAX IV Laboratory, Lund.
Supervision: SoftiMAX beamline staff.
To apply, please send a short CV and a brief note (half a page is enough) describing your relevant experience and why you're interested.
What we offer
When you join our MAX IV team, you step into a world of front edge science. We make the invisible visible by supporting scientist from all over the world, generating scientific results for the benefit of society. We offer you a multicultural work environment with great opportunities for personal development with respect for a healthy work-life balance.
Would you like to work in a challenging and supporting environment? Then join us and take the opportunity to make a real difference!
For further information, please visit:
https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-lund-university/work-lund-universityhttp://www.sweden.sehttps://www.maxiv.lu.se/about-us/careers/compensation-benefits/MAX IV is a Swedish national large-scale research infrastructure hosted by Lund University. It provides scientists from Sweden and abroad, with intense x-rays and state-of-the-art instrumentation for research in areas such as engineering, physics, structural biology, chemistry and nanotechnology. Its 16 beamlines receive up to 2 000 scientists annually, conducting ground-breaking experiments in materials and life sciences using the brilliant X-rays.
We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.
Ersättning Monthly salary
Så ansöker du Sista dag att ansöka är 2026-03-29
Klicka på denna länk för att göra din ansökan Arbetsgivarens referens Arbetsgivarens referens för detta jobb är "PA2026/691".
Omfattning Detta är ett heltidsjobb.
Arbetsgivare Lunds Universitet (org.nr 202100-3211)
Arbetsplats Lunds universitet, MAX IV, Science division
Kontakt Karina Thånell
karina.thanell@maxiv.lu.se +46462226553 Jobbnummer 9791113