Doktoral student in astronomy

Doctoral student in Computational astronomy as a tool to decipher the early Milky Way using observations of stars.

Subject description

One of the most elusive questions in modern astronomy has finally become tractable – the origin of the thick disk in the Milky Way. The presence of a thick disk matters because it tells us about the dynamical history of the galaxy. The existence of thick stellar disks in addition to a thin stellar disk is ubiquitous in the local Universe. Several potential formation channels for thick disks have been suggested. A number of major blocking points have inhibited progress in differentiating between these different channels. To make advances we need to make use of observational data to test the models. We will take advantage of the astrometric data from ESA’s Gaia satellite in combination with spectroscopic data emerging from ground-breaking stellar surveys SDSS-V, 4MOST and WEAVE to understand the formation of the thick disk.

Work duties

The doctoral student will work with several aspects of computational astronomy but in particular the development of precise elemental abundance and age determinations for very large data sets, such as the data from the upcoming 4MOST Galactic surveys (www.4most.eu). In addition, understanding and applying selection functions for the large stellar surveys when interpreting the data is essential and will require the development of a sound statistical understanding of the problem.

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%). 

The doctoral student will be enrolled in a PhD program at the Faculty of Science at Lund University and placed in the Astronomy research group led by Prof. Sofia Feltzing at the Department of Geology at Lund University.

The doctoral student will join one or more of the scientific teams of SDSS-V, 4MOST and WEAVE as part of their PhD. In addition, there will be the possibility to join one of the analysis teams in one of the projects.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies if the individual

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

The head of department can permit an exemption from the general entry requirements for an individual applicant, if there are special grounds.

Additional requirements:

• When starting, the applicant is expected to hold a university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in physics, astronomy or a closely related field of natural sciences.
• The degree must contain at least 30 credits (ECTS) in mathematics and at least 7.5 credits in programming, or equivalent. These qualifications may also have been obtained through other equivalent education, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Documented very good oral and written proficiency in English.

We are looking for a creative person who thrives in a dynamic research group. The project requires close collaboration with international researchers and the ability to work independently.

 Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of 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 the third-cycle studies, e.g. 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. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

This employment is today placed at the department of geology. From January 1st 2026 your employment will be placed at the newly formed department of Earth and Environmental Sciences due to a planned co-organization. This will give you a unique opportunity to be a part of a dynamic development process and give you an opportunity to contribute to a new interdisciplinary department

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall 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. In particular we wish you to describe a possible sub-project you would like to carry out as part of your PhD. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered such as grade transcripts. The applicant should supply the names and contact details for up to three persons willing to provide a reference for you.

Welcome to apply!