Vacant job

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is one of Uppsala University's largest departments, with nearly 400 employees, including approximately 125 doctoral students. The department conducts world-class research and education in both theoretical and experimental physics and maintains extensive collaboration with the outside world. Research is carried out across 10 research divisions, covering everything from the infinitesimally small to the vast, including 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 the basic and advanced levels at the department each year. Read more at uu.se/fysik.

The Division of Astronomy and Space Physics conducts research on stellar physics, planetary systems, galaxies, and cosmology, atomic astrophysics, and astronomical instrumentation. The division participates in numerous international scientific collaborations involving telescopes and satellites. We are seeking a doctoral student in astronomy and space physics to research gravitationally lensed stars at cosmological distances. The doctoral student will primarily work with Professor Erik Zackrisson. The doctoral position is funded by a grant from the Swedish Space Agency.

Responsibilities

The selected candidate will work with data from the James Webb Space Telescope regarding stars at cosmological distances affected by gravitational lensing effects. The project also involves the development of new analysis tools and numerical simulation of observational selection effects within this field.

The doctoral position is four years long, and the candidate will primarily dedicate their time to research studies. Extension up to five years is possible by including departmental service, typically teaching, with a scope of up to 20%. The position is fully funded, and the salary is determined by local guidelines at the university.

Qualifications

Eligibility for doctoral education requires:

• an advanced degree in astronomy, physics, or equivalent,
• completion of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 120 credits in physics or astronomy, of which at least 30 credits must be in astronomy,
• completion of at least 60 credits at the advanced level including an independent project of at least 15 credits, or
• equivalent knowledge acquired in some other way.

We are seeking candidates with:

• good communication skills as well as oral and written proficiency in English,
• excellent academic results,
• excellent programming skills,
• a high level of creativity and accuracy,
• a structured approach to problem-solving,
• and the ability to work both independently and in a group.

Desirable/Additional Merits

Regulations for doctoral students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5, Sections 1-7, as well as in the university's rules and guidelines.

Application Process

The application must include a personal letter (maximum 2 pages) briefly motivating why you are applying for this position and summarizing any previous research experience; a curriculum vitae (CV) including contact information for two independent referees (email and phone number); degree certificates and transcripts of records (translated into English or Swedish); examples of your scientific writing ability, preferably your thesis report (or draft thereof), publications, and other relevant documents. Personal circumstances that may be relevant for the assessment, e.g., parental leave, should be mentioned in the applicant's CV. The application should be written in English. Additional questions in the application form are used in the assessment of your application.

About the Employment

The employment is temporary, according to the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, Section 7. The scope is full-time. Start date: September 1, 2026, or by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

Information about the position is provided by: Professor Erik Zackrisson, [email protected]

Welcome to apply by April 30, 2026, Ref: UFV-PA 2026/761.

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 engagement, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

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. In the event of a security clearance, a condition for employment is that the applicant is approved.

We 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]