Description of the workplace

The Galaxy Formation Group at the Department of Physics, Division of Astrophysics at Lund University is seeking a PhD student to work on models of galaxy formation within ESA’s ARRAKIHS mission. Research within the division encompasses galaxy formation, galactic dynamics and evolution, star formation and dynamics, stellar evolution, stellar spectroscopy and astrometry, planet formation and dynamics, as well as exoplanet atmospheres.

Being a doctoral student

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

More about being a doctoral student at the Faculty of Science.

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Work duties

We are seeking a PhD student in the field of theoretical astrophysics. The successful candidate will work on analyzing and developing supercomputer simulations and models of galaxy evolution. These models will be used to interpret data from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) planned ARRAKIHS satellite mission.

Your primary responsibility will be to pursue your doctoral studies, which will mainly consist of conducting research and writing a doctoral thesis. In addition, you will be expected to:

Conduct research within the subject area. Publish results in high-quality scientific journals. Participate in project meetings at Lund University (LU) and Stockholm University (SU), as well as within the ARRAKIHS consortium. Present research results at national and international conferences.

In addition, you are expected to participate in doctoral courses, seminars and confereces. In addition to studies, a maximum of 20% of working time may be spent on teaching and other departmental work

Qualifications

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• 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 specializations 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

In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• Experience in analyzing and working with cosmological simulations of galaxy formation.
• Strong ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle scientific problems.
• Good written and oral communication skills. Strong collaborative and teamwork skills.
• Good proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Merits

• Excellent numerical and analytical problem-solving skills, as well as experience with programming languages (including Python and Fortran).
• Extensive knowledge of galaxy formation and numerical simulations of galaxy formation.
• Expertise in fluid dynamics and the use of analysis tools for galaxy modeling (including YT).
• Experience in writing and publishing articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Selection criteria

The selection of eligible applicants will be made taking into account the ability to benefit from the training based on the following criteria:

• Relevant qualifications and expertise (see the requirements and merit criteria listed above).
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex research problems and to work both collaboratively and independently, as well as to complete tasks on schedule.
• Consideration will also be given to strong collaborative skills, motivation, and independence, as well as to how the applicant’s experience and qualifications demonstrate the abilities required to successfully complete doctoral studies.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace.

More about working at Lund University on lu.se. 

About the employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting preferably in September 2026, but other dates can be agreed upon. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University’s Staffpages.

How to apply

The application should be written in English and you must attach to your application:

• CV and personal letter with a justification of why you are interested in the training place/employment and in what way the research project matches your interests and your educational background.
• Copies of issued study certificates and/or diplomas. These should prove your basic and special eligibility for the doctoral education subject and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral education project.
• Other information that you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

We welcome your application!