Postdoctoral Researcher in Theoretical Astrophysics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is one of Uppsala University's largest departments with nearly 400 employees, including about 125 PhD students.

The department conducts world-class research and education in both theoretical and experimental physics and has extensive collaboration with the outside world. Research is carried out in 10 research divisions and covers everything from the unimaginably small to the large in areas such as energy supply, climate development, new materials, and the universe. This entire spectrum is also reflected in the department's courses and educational programs. Around 2,500 students take courses at both undergraduate and advanced levels at the department each year. Read more at http://www.physics.uu.se (http://www.physics.uu.se).

At the Department of Astronomy and Space Physics, research is conducted on stellar physics, planetary systems, galaxies, and cosmology, atomic astrophysics, and astronomical instrumentation. The department participates in a number of international scientific collaborations regarding telescopes and satellites. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in theoretical astrophysics, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

Job Responsibilities/Project Description:

The postdoctoral researcher will work with Dr. Thomas Nordlander towards a deeper understanding of the early development of the Milky Way and the properties of the first stars. Responsibilities include working on spectroscopic analysis of metal-poor stars, analysis of star populations, and/or characterization of ancient supernovae using data on chemical compositions. The project will utilize a combination of advanced theoretical simulations of stellar atmospheres and new or existing data from sources including Gaia, VLT, 4MOST, and GALAH. Opportunities will be provided to participate in the supervision of PhD students and students within the project. The position includes access to computing resources and travel funding.

Qualifications:

A PhD degree, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, in physics, astronomy, or a related field is required for the position. The degree must have been obtained before the employment begins and must not have been obtained more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, the degree may be older than three years. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, or trust assignments within trade unions, etc. Good knowledge of English is a requirement.

Desirable/Additional Qualifications:

Particularly meritorious for the position is a strong publication record related to high-resolution stellar spectroscopy, the use or development of advanced spectroscopic methodologies, programming in Python, the ability to work independently and in an international team with partners in other countries, and student supervision.

Application Process:

The application should include a personal letter describing yourself, your qualifications, and research interests (maximum 2 pages). It should also include a CV with contact information for two referees (email and phone number), a research description or research plan, a copy of your PhD degree or highest current degree, and a list of all research articles by the applicant. Reference letters should not be included in the application. References will be contacted later in the selection process. Personal circumstances that may be relevant for the assessment, such as parental leave, should be mentioned in the applicant's CV or personal letter. The application should be written in English. Additional questions in the application form will be used to assess applications. Skills tests may be used during the recruitment process.

About the Position:

Salary: Individual salary setting.

Start date: Earliest 2026-04-01 or by agreement.

Employment type: Fixed-term employment for two years according to the central collective agreement. The employment may be extended for a maximum of one year.

Extent of employment: 100%

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Thomas Nordlander [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Welcome with your application by January 30, 2026, UFV-PA 2025/3929

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The position may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved during the security clearance.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected]