PhD student in Computational Cosmology and Astrophysics

The Department of Physics is located in the AlbaNova University Center and has approximately 240 employees, 250 students at undergraduate level and 90 graduate students. There are four research subjects within the postgraduate program: Physics, Theoretical Physics, Chemical Physics and Medical Radiation Physics. These subjects span over several research groups with different research activities. For information about the Department of Physics see: www.fysik.su.se/english.

Project description

Subject. Physics

The Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics group at Stockholm University invites applicants for a PhD position in computational cosmology and astrophysics. The over-arching theme of this studentship is understanding the behaviour of dark matter inside and around galaxies, and its connection to galaxy formation and evolution, using cosmological supercomputer simulations. The focus is on low mass (dwarf) galaxies which are found in the local Universe, such as satellites of the Milky Way.

Nearby dwarf galaxies provide a unique window in these studies and have been on the for-front of dark matter research for a number of reasons: (i) they contain up to 1000 times more dark matter than stars; (ii) their proximity means we can measure their properties in great detail, (iii) the faintest known galaxies are all nearby, around the Milky Way. Moreover, there are debates in the community on whether the standard dark matter model (Cold Dark Matter) can fully explain the properties of these low mass objects, or whether alternative models should be considered.
Cosmological supercomputer simulations, which follow the evolution of the Universe and the formation of galaxies, are essential tools in this field. During this PhD program the successful candidate will be involved in developing and analysing state-of-the-art cosmological simulations in the standard framework, as well as alternative dark matter theories such as self-interacting dark matter. These simulations are big projects involving multiple institutes. The successful candidate will have the chance to collaborate with researchers at Durham University (UK), Leiden University (NL) and Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics (Garching, Germany), amongst others.

The successful candidate will explore questions such as: (a) what is the dark matter distribution inside dwarf galaxies in various dark matter scenarios? (b) how do dwarf galaxies form and evolve in the centre of the dark matter halos? How does the nature of dark matter influence their evolution? (c) is the orbital evolution of dwarf galaxies around the Milky Way affected by the nature of dark matter? (d) would dwarf galaxies host their own satellites?

We seek a self-motivated candidate who is fluent in English. The project is primarily based on computer numerical simulations and analysis of large datasets, so familiarity with programming is a merit. The application should include experience with numerical simulations and/or data analysis and other relevant skills.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific entry requirements. In order to be accepted as a PhD student in Physics or Theoretical Physics a BSc in Physics (or equivalent) is required. The studies must include 60 credits of second-cycle courses in physics out of which at least 15 credits correspond to a second-cycle degree project. The degree project does not have to have been examined at the application deadline, but work corresponding to half a semester of full-time studies should have been devoted to it. For the subject Chemical Physics courses in chemistry may replace the required physics courses. The subject Medical Radiation Physics requires a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in the subject area, or with 60 credits of physics, a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in another subject area.

In addition, proficiency in English language, equivalent to English B in Swedish high school, is required, or

• Previously completed University degree taught in English
• IELTS score (Academic) of 6.0 or more (with none of the sections scoring less than 5.0)
• TOEFL score of 550 or more (computer based test 213, internet based 79)
• Cambridge/Oxford - Advanced or Proficiency level.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
• capacity for analytical and creativ thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information about the project, please contact Assoc. Prof. Azadeh Fattahi azadeh.fattahi@fysik.su.se.

For information about the employment Prof. Michael Odelius, odelius@fysik.su.se, who can also forward questions to the PhD student council at Fysikum.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.