Doctoral student in Astronomy and Astrophysics with focus on Exoplanet atmospheres

Division of Astrophysics, in the research group of Jens Hoeijmakers, on the topic high-resolution spectroscopy of exoplanet atmospheres.

Work duties
This doctoral project is part of a larger project in a collaboration together with the research group of Daniel Kitzmann (University of Bern), that focusses on the development of new radiative transfer and chemistry models to interpret observations of exoplanet atmospheres, including high-resolution ground-based spectroscopy and JWST. The group of Jens Hoeijmakers works on observations of exoplanet atmospheres, especially high-resolution ground-based spectroscopy of ultra-hot Jupiters. The two groups work together to develop faster, more efficient and more robust interpretations of new and upcoming observations of the atmospheres of hot gas giants as well as smaller, cooler exoplanets. The doctoral student will join the exoplanets atmospheres group at Lund University, part of the Division of Astrophysics in the Department of Physics. The Division hosts a variety of research groups, spanning cutting edge research in areas that include exoplanets, galactic astronomy (including Gaia and new large-scale stellar surveys), as well as galactic evolution.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Entry requirements

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Specific admission requirements
To be admitted to the third-cycle programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics the student must have earned credits in first and second-cycle programmes in which physics, mathematics and/or corresponding engineering subjects have been substantial elements. In addition to 60 credits in basic physics, there is a requirement for at least 60 credits in subjects of relevance to Astronomy and Astrophysics, e.g., courses in astronomy or other physics subjects, or engineering subjects such as space technology and automatic control. The 120 credits must include at least 60 second-cycle credits. The first and second-cycle courses must include a degree project comprising 30 credits.

Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programmes will be assessed individually.

In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Physics may be considered for admission.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented and strong ability to carry out scientific programming using Python.
• Second-cycle education containing a significant number of advanced astrophysics courses.
• Documented experience in scientific production in the topic of astrophysics research.
• Strong skills in presenting and discussing scientific subject matter.

Other assessment criteria

• Documented experience in courses or research within the subject field of exoplanets or planetary atmospheres is an asset.
• Documented experience with spectroscopic methods is an asset.
• Documented experience with radiative transfer simulations and statistical inference methods is an asset.
• Documented affinity with open-source software development is an asset.
• Documented experience with scientific writing and publishing is an asset.
• Documented experience in collaborative research work is an asset.

Basis of assessment
Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme. 

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications must be written in English, and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background (max 2 pages). The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, contact information of two references, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, etc.).

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.