Vacant job

The Department of Astronomy at Stockholm University has around 80 employees, including approximately 30 PhD students. The department's main research areas are galaxies, supernovae, computational astrophysics, solar physics, and planet and star formation. More information about us can be found at: Department of Astronomy (#).

The extragalactic research (where this position is included) is also linked to the Oskar Klein Centre (OKC) for Cosmoparticle Physics, in collaboration with Physics at Stockholm University and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), all located in the same building. The building also houses Nordita (Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics), which has a research group in astrophysics.

Together, this creates a creative environment for collaboration with a wide range of seminars and scientific activities.

Project Description

The postdoctoral position is linked to an observation project with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), “The obscured regions of the nearest Lyman continuum leaker: massive stars or accreting black holes?” (program-ID 8290). The project includes integral field spectroscopy with NIRSpec and MIRI, as well as imaging with NIRCam and MIRI of the blue compact galaxy Haro 11.

Responsibilities

The position involves the analysis of JWST image data and spectroscopic data from the aforementioned project. The work will include analysis of emission from nebulae, PAH molecules (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and dust, modeling of embedded star clusters, and suspected black hole-driven sources. The goal is to create a complete picture of the ionization budget and the escape of ionizing photons in this prototype galaxy.

Qualifications

To be eligible for the postdoctoral position, a completed PhD degree or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a relevant PhD is required. The degree must be completed no later than when the employment decision is made or when the employment commences.

Evaluation Criteria

It is meritorious if the PhD degree or equivalent was completed no more than three years before the last application date. If there are special reasons, a previously completed degree may also be considered meritorious. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, trust positions within trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.

During the appointment process, particular emphasis will be placed on scientific skill. Experience working with integral field spectroscopy as well as photoionization and nebular modeling will be seen as meritorious.

About the Position

The position is full-time and permanent, but for at least two years, with the possibility of extension by up to an additional year, provided funding is available, implying a maximum employment period of three years. Start date 2026-10-01 or by agreement.

We Offer

Here you will experience the dynamics of the interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and enjoy favorable conditions. The university is located in the National Urban Park with good connections to the city center.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

Contact

Information about the position is provided by Professor Göran Östlin, [email protected].

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV, as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring the application is complete and submitted to the university no later than the last application date.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the webpage: how to apply for a position (#).

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.