Doctoral student in X-ray polarimetry for astrophysics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Physics

The Particle and Astroparticle Physics division at the Department of Physics seeks a Ph.D. student to work on the development of X-ray polarimetry. This new observation method in astrophysics stands to provide significant new knowledge on celestial compact objects, e.g. mass-accreting neutron stars, black holes and pulsars. Techniques for X-ray polarimetry have been developed at KTH for more than a decade, including preliminary observations of bright sources using balloon-borne instrumentation. The group currently participates in a new mission, XL-Calibur, which is planned to be flown in 2022 (Sweden) and 2023/4 (Antarctica) for precision polarimetric studies of a range of sources. The Ph.D. project concerns preparation and execution of the XL-Calibur mission, associated data analysis/interpretation and computer simulations, as well as the development of future space missions. 

Supervision: Professor Mark Pearce is proposed to supervise the doctoral student.

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with industries and prominent universities from all over the world.
• A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement.
• A postgraduate education at an institution that is active and supportive in matters pertaining to working conditions, gender equality and diversity as well as study environment.
• Work and study in Stockholm, close to nature and the water.
• Within the Division of Particle and Astroparticle Physics, research focuses on the analysis and interpretation of observational data on cosmic explosions and compact objects, as well as the development of space-based instrumentation for astrophysics. The Division also works with particle physics at CERN and theoretical studies of neutrino mass and dark matter. Activities form part of the Oskar Klein Centre for Cosmoparticle Physics - a prominent research environment at AlbaNova University Centre.  
• The X-ray polarimetry group has excellent facilities for instrument development and production. As part of the KTH Space Centre, the group also has access to advanced test facilities for instruments to be used in the space environment.  
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree),
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
•  MSc in physics or astronomy 

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6, read more here

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyse and work with complex issues.

The following experience and skills are considered particularly important: a MSc project in experimental physics or astronomy, experience of computer programming for data analysis, experience with instrumentation for radiation detection, excellent written and oral communication skills in English. After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal competency. 

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years ' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/entral European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.Copies of originals must be certified.
• Representative publications or technical reports. A summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text is requested. Do not send complete documents.
• Contact information for 2 referees. There is no need to include letters of reference in the application

Other information

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.