PhD position in Numerical Astrophysics at Chalmers University of Technology

PhD position in Numerical Astrophysics at Chalmers University of Technology

Overview

Onsala Space Observatory, the Swedish National Facility for Radio Astronomy, provides scientists with equipment to study the Earth and the rest of the Universe. We operate two radio telescopes in Onsala, 45 km south of Göteborg, and take part in several international projects. The observatory was founded in 1949 by professor Olof Rydbeck. It is hosted by Department of Earth and Space Sciences at Chalmers University of Technology, and is operated on behalf of the Swedish Research Council.

Job description
Planetary systems form in circumstellar discs of gas and dust. At any time, the dynamical state of these discs depends on the amount and type of matter present in them. The understanding of the evolution of discs requires the understanding of how matter and energy is transported through them. Ultimately, this energy is radiated away and it is the character of this radiation a distant observer needs to interpret properly.

This in turn requires the observer to have acquired adequate tools, both observational and theoretical. The PhD thesis will focus on the development and application of numerical models of radiative transfer through discs. These theoretical models will be compared to observational data obtained with ground- and space-based supertelescopes. The goal is to understand the architecture of planetary systems, including the proper place of our own solar system in this context.

PhD student positions are limited to five years and will normally include 20% departmental work, mostly teaching duties. The salary for the position is specified in Chalmers` general agreement for PhD student positions.

Required qualifications
Applicants must have a strong background in astrophysics and numerical methods. They must have obtained a master`s degree, a 4-year bachelor`s degree or expect to complete that degree by no later than July 15, 2011. Excellent knowledge of written as well as spoken English is also a requirement.

In addition to the required documents described below, the application shall include all relevant work such as bachelor`s or master`s thesis (or outline of a thesis under preparation) and articles (provide an English summary if necessary) that you have authored or co-authored, together with your letters of recommendation (see item 4 below).

Application procedure
The application shall be written in English and include the following items:

1. An application of a maximum of one A4 page containing your specific qualifications for the position
2. Attested copies of education certificates, including grade reports and other documents
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Letters of recommendation and name of reference persons (optional)

The application shall be sent electronically as pdf or zipped documents. Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

If any material is not available electronically or cannot be transferred to pdf format, the material can be sent as a hard copy to Registrar. The applicants name and the reference number (2011/27) must be written on the first page of the application.

Address:
Registrar
Chalmers University of Technology
SE-412 96 Göteborg
Sweden

Further information
Information about the department is found at http://www.chalmers.se/rss/oso-en

Professor René Liseau, e-mail: rene.liseau@chalmers.se

Reference number 2011/27
Application deadline : March, 31st 2011