Doctoral student in Astrophysics

The position is placed at the Division of Astrophysics in the Department of Physics to work with Ross Church on binary population synthesis in support of preparations for LISA.  LISA will be a space-based gravitational wave interferometer, comprising three spacecraft, flying in a triangular formation with laser interferometers along each arm.  It will detect mHz-frequency gravitational waves from the assembly and merger of supermassive black holes at high redshifts, and from stellar binary star systems in the Milky Way.

The project will also explore the connection between LISA and GaiaNIR.  GaiaNIR is a proposal for an all-sky astrometric survey at infra-red wavelengths, to extend Gaia's science into the dust-obscured bulge and galactic centre. There is an overlap between the work needed to prepare for LISA observations of compact binaries and the pre-mission studies for GaiaNIR.

The student will work primarily within the Stellar Dynamics and Evolution group, headed by Ross Church, which works on a range of topics related to understanding the evolution and dynamics of single and binary stars.  The student will collaborate with the group headed by David Hobbs, which focusses on developing space-based astronomical instrumentation and using it to understand the Milky Way galaxy.

The Division of Astrophysics carries out a broad range of research in contemporary observational and theoretical astrophysics, with a particular focus on understanding the contents and history of the Milky Way galaxy.  Topics of research include galactic dynamics and evolution, space missions and instrumentation, stars and stellar populations and exoplanets and planet formation.

Work duties

The student’s main research project is to produce a LISA model galaxy, containing a synthetic sample of compact binaries, computed using the most up-to-date stellar and binary physics and distributed in a galactic model that builds on results from the Gaia space mission and ground-based surveys. The result will be an authoritative prediction of the Galactic population of LISA sources and resulting gravitational wave background, but also a quantification of the uncertainty. This will provide a realistic simulated noise background for the LISA analysis pipeline and allow us to quantify how many of the binaries can be recovered from the noise.

The student will collaborate with a postdoctoral researcher working on developing a global analysis solution for the gravitational-wave data that comes from the LISA mission.  The LISA model galaxy will be used to provide a realistic model LISA signal from the Galactic sources. 

The student will also apply the model galaxy to mission definition studies for GaiaNIR. They will use the LISA model galaxy to predict the populations of faint stars -- including but not limited to binaries -- in the central Milky Way to understand the impact of crowding on satellite design decisions, and to evaluate and plan for multi-messenger science cases where targets are observed both by LISA and GaiaNIR.

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.
• Strong skills in presenting and discussing scientific subject matter.

Other assessment criteria

• Documented experience with scientific writing is an asset.
• Documented experience carrying out original scientific research in astrophysics is an asset.
• Documented experience in collaborative research work is an asset.
• A second-cycle education containing a significant number of advanced astrophysics courses is an asset.
• Documented experience with stellar evolution calculations is an asset.
• Documented experience with gravitational-wave astrophysics 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:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• 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 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 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 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.)

Welcome to apply!