PhD student in Astronomy

The Department of Astronomy at Stockholm University has about 80 employees, of which 25 are PhD students. The main research areas of the Department are Galaxies, Supernovae, Computational Astrophysics, Solar Physics, Exoplanets and Stellar Physics.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Astronomy.

Project description

Up to six positions will be available in the areas of Galaxies, Supernovae, and Exoplanets.

Galaxies: Four positions will be available within galaxy research, with a particular focus on investigations of the cosmic reionization process and first galaxies. One position will focus on numerical simulations of the intergalactic medium using the latest input from galaxy observations, and will be supervised by Prof. Garrelt Mellema. The other three positions will focus upon observations of galaxies in the Early Universe: themes include next-generation galaxy surveys; analyses of reionization-era galaxies, including star-formation and feedback at parsec scales; nebular conditions; Active Galactic Nuclei; escape of ionising radiation from galaxies; etc, and will be supervised by Dr. Angela Adamo, Dr. Matthew Hayes, and Prof. Göran Östlin.

Supernovae: One position will be available to work with Dr. Ragnhild Lunnan on observations of supernovae, focusing on rare and unusual events including but not limited to superluminous supernovae. The underlying goal is to understand the underlying explosion physics and progenitor star populations of these extreme explosions, as well as constraining the final fates of the most massive stars. There will be opportunities to work on a number of different aspects of supernova science, ranging from improving search algorithms for rare objects in large data streams; statistical studies of supernova populations; analysing individual interesting supernovae; and host galaxy properties.

Exoplanets: One position will be available in exoplanets, with a focus on spectroscopic characterisation of directly imaged exoplanet atmospheres - including for planets that are still in the process of forming. The observations within the project will reveal the composition and dynamics of the planetary atmospheres, as well as provide constraints on the mechanisms behind planet formation. The developments within the project also have the aim of paving the way for studies of Earth-like planets with similar instruments and methods at the next-generation ELTs that have recently started construction. The position will be supervised by Prof. Markus Janson.

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 before admission to the research education.

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.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements, the applicant for a studentship at a researcher level in astronomy must have completed 60 credits of non-overlapping courses in physics/astronomy at an advanced level. Of these, at least 30 credits should be in the form of independent work in astronomy, with a passing grade. The specific entry-level requirements can also be fulfilled through having equivalent documented competence.

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 creative thinking
initiative
independence
ability to collaborate
written and oral proficiency in English.

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

Information regarding the position in exoplanets can be obtained from professor Markus Janson, markus.janson@astro.su.se.

Information regarding the position in Supernovae can be obtained from Dr. Ragnhild Lunnan, ragnhild.lunnan@astro.su.se.

Information regarding the position in Galaxies (simulations) can be obtained from professor Garrelt Mellema, garrelt.mellema@astro.su.se.

Information regarding the position in Galaxies (observations) can be obtained from Dr. Matthew Hayes, matthew.hayes@astro.su.se; Dr. Angela Adamo, angela.adamo@astro.su.se; professor Göran Östlin, ostlin@astro.su.se.

Information regarding the PhD-programme can be obtained from the Director of Graduate studies professor Markus Janson, markus.janson@astro.su.se.

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. Please specify in the personal letter which of the research themes you are primarily interested in. 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.