PhD student in Physics: AI-Driven Investigations of Dynamical Dark Energy

The Department of Physics is located in the AlbaNova University Center and has approximately 240 employees, 250 students at undergraduate level and 70 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

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Digital Twin of the Universe programme at the physics department of Stockholm University under the supervision of Jens Jasche. The project aims to test the nature of dynamical dark energy using next-generation cosmological data from ESA’s Euclid Space Telescope and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

The project lies at the intersection of computational cosmology, Bayesian field-level inference, and machine learning. Moving beyond traditional summary statistics, the candidate will develop and apply advanced data analysis methods to reconstruct the primordial initial conditions and the three-dimensional evolution of cosmic structure across cosmic time.

A central component of the research involves developing ML-enhanced physical forward models, differentiable emulators, and generative modelling techniques to accelerate Bayesian inference while preserving rigorous uncertainty quantification. These tools will enable high-resolution reconstructions of the cosmic web and its dynamical growth.

By integrating modern AI techniques with physics-based modelling, the candidate will perform joint inference of the cosmological expansion history and the full 3D matter distribution, providing a powerful test of physics beyond the cosmological constant paradigm. This project offers a unique opportunity to work with the world’s most advanced cosmological datasets while gaining expertise in high-performance computing and state-of-the-art statistical methods to advance our understanding of the dark universe.

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 requircements. 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 creative thinking
initiative
independence
ability to collaborate
written and oral proficiency in both Swedish and 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

For more information about the project, please contact Assoc. Prof. Jens Jasche, jens.jasche@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.