Doctoral student in Astrophysics

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Physics

The PhD student will conduct research in the field of X-ray astronomy, with an emphasis on emission associated with supernovae and their remnants. The project will involve the analysis of observational data, including data mining and data-intensive methods, to address scientific questions such as the properties of compact objects formed in supernovae. The student will work with observations from major X-ray telescopes (e.g., XMM-Newton and Chandra), complemented by multiwavelength data from other facilities.

The student will join the research group of Professor Josefin Larsson, providing opportunities for collaboration on related projects, such as studies of supernova remnants at infrared and optical wavelengths.

Astrophysics research at KTH also includes the development of instrumentation for X-ray astronomy and studies of gamma-ray bursts (Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Medical Imaging | KTH). These activities are part of the Oskar Klein Centre for Cosmoparticle Physics (OKC) at the AlbaNova University Centre (okc.albanova.se), which provides a vibrant international research environment, including a large community of researchers working on supernovae.

Supervision: Professor Josefin Larsson is proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission.

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), or

• 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

• The basic eligibility should be in either astronomy or physics

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

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

• analyze and work with complex issues.

• The following experiences and skills are considered particularly important: a MSc project in astronomy, experience of analysis of astronomical data, excellent written and oral communication skills.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Employment

Full-time doctoral student employment in Stockholm (beginning of 2027 or earlier). Total employment may not exceed four years of full-time doctoral education. Monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement.

To apply

Apply through KTH's recruitment system. Applications must include:

• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements. Translations into English or Swedish if the original is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified.

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.

• Application letter (max 2 pages) describing why you want to pursue research studies, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals.

• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Last application date: 6 October 2026, midnight CEST. Reference: PA-2026-2746.