PhD Positions at the Department of Astronomy, Stockholm University

The Department of Astronomy at Stockholm University has approximately 80 employees, of which 25 are PhD candidates.

The main research areas are galaxies, supernovae, computational astrophysics, solar physics, exoplanets, and stellar physics. More information about us can be found at: Department of Astronomy (https://www.astro.su.se).

Project Description

Up to six positions will be available in the fields of Stars, Exoplanets, Supernovae/Computational Astrophysics, Galaxies, and Cosmology.

Stars

One position will be available in stellar spectroscopy, focusing on exploiting data from 4MOST. The main task will be the development of a 3D non-LTE spectral analysis pipeline tailored for large spectroscopic datasets. The position will be supervised by Dr. Karin Lind.

Exoplanets

One position will be available in exoplanet research, aimed at characterizing exoplanets and their atmospheres through the development and application of analytical tools on data collected by the most advanced space and ground-based telescopes. The position will be supervised by Dr. Alexis Brandeker.

Supernovae/Computational Astrophysics

One position will be available for work with Dr. Evan O’Connor on advanced computer simulations of core-collapse supernovae with a strong focus on extreme progenitor stars and magnetic rotation as a driving explosion mechanism.

Galaxies

One position will be available within the galaxy group, with a particular focus on studies of star clusters and feedback over cosmic timescales based on images and spectra from JWST complemented by ground-based observations. The position will be supervised by Dr. Angela Adamo.

Cosmology

One or two positions will be available within the ERC Synergy Grant COSMOMAG (2026-2032) studying the very first microseconds of the Universe's history. The positions will be supervised by Prof. Axel Brandenburg together with Prof. Chiara Caprini.

Eligibility Requirements

To be admitted to the doctoral program, the applicant must have both general and specific eligibility. The eligibility must be fulfilled before admission to the doctoral program.

General eligibility is met if you have completed a degree at the advanced level, or fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp at the advanced level, or have acquired equivalent knowledge in other ways, either domestically or abroad.

Specific eligibility according to the general study plan for doctoral education in astronomy requires that you have obtained at least 60 hp in physics/astronomy at the advanced level, of which 30 hp in independent work. You may also have obtained equivalent competence in other ways, either domestically or abroad.

Selection

Selection among applicants will be based on the ability to benefit from doctoral education. Criteria used to assess this ability include:

• documented subject knowledge relevant to the research area
• analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• collaborative skills
• ability to express oneself in speech and writing in both Swedish and English.

Admission regulations for doctoral education at Stockholm University.

About the Position

We offer a fixed-term position as a PhD candidate according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The duration of employment may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a PhD candidate, you will primarily focus on your own doctoral education, but the position may include limited work with teaching, research, and administration (up to 20%).

A new PhD position is valid for a maximum of one year, and the employment is renewed thereafter for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Information regarding the position in stellar spectroscopy can be obtained from Dr. Karin Lind, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Information regarding the position in exoplanets can be obtained from Dr. Alexis Brandeker, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Information regarding the position in supernovae/computational astrophysics can be obtained from Dr. Evan O’Connor, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Information regarding the position in galaxies can be obtained from Dr. Angela Adamo, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Information regarding the positions in cosmology can be obtained from Prof. Axel Brandenburg, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Information regarding doctoral education can be obtained from Prof. Markus Janson, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Application

You apply for the PhD position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a CV and a personal letter that should include information about which research areas you are interested in, why you are interested in the position, and why you are well-suited for the position. Also attach any other documents requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is submitted to the university no later than the application deadline.

Recommendation letters (2-3) should be sent separately to the following address: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Instructions for applicants can be found on the webpage: how to apply for a position (https://www.su.se/att-soka-en-anstallning).

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