Astronomy and Plasma Physics division recruits postdoctoral researchers

About the department
The Department of Space, Earth and Environment (SEE) addresses fundamental scientific topics. On the one hand, we focus on basic science related to the origins of the universe, of our planet and of life. On the other, we observe what is happening on Earth today and develop methods, tools and models that enable us to look towards the future and find solutions to global challenges about resources, energy supply and environmental impact. Together we work to increase knowledge on how to best achieve a long-term sustainable planet.

About the division
The Astronomy and Plasmaphysics (AoP) division is one of the five scientific divisions at the SEE department. We engage in world-class research, including observational and theoretical studies, in the fields of astronomy and fusion plasma physics. We cover a wide range of topics, including active galactic nuclei, astrochemistry, evolved stars, exoplanets, galaxy clusters and galaxy evolution, star formation and interstellar medium as well as turbulence and transport in tokamaks and general fusion plasma physics. The division consists of a diverse group of international and Swedish scientists, including approximately 15 faculty, 25 postdocs, and 10 PhD students. We collaborate closely with the Onsala Space Observatory, which is the Swedish national facility for Radio Astronomy. The observatory operates telescopes in Sweden, shares in the APEX telescope in Chile, hosts the Nordic ALMA Regional Center (ARC), and is the SKA center for Sweden. Fusion research activities are closely linked to the EUROfusion research consortium and are collaborating with JET and ITER.

At AoP, we provide the work environment to enable outstanding international research for postdoctoral researchers, including an active postdoc group, a mentor and mentee program, formal and informal colloquia and seminars, and regular workshops and activities related to career development and work environment. We are situated at the Chalmers main campus in Johanneberg, Gothenburg, and at the Onsala Space Observatory site 45km south of Gothenburg.

We are now seeking several postdoctoral researchers to join AoP (follow the links in the position titles for specific information on each position)


• Postdoc position(s) on the study of evolved stars, ref 20230593, deadline 30th Nov 2023.

We look for up to three postdoctoral researchers, two in the area of low-mass evolved stars on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and one in the area of high-mass evolved stars in the red supergiant (RSG) phase.


• Postdoc fellowship on the structure of the interstellar medium, ref 20230594, deadline  1st Dec 2023.

We look for an outstanding postdoctoral fellow to carry out an independent research program that addresses the 3-dimensional nature of the interstellar medium.


• Postdoc position in extragalactic astrophysics and galaxy evolution, ref 20230595, deadline 1st Dec 2023.

We look for a postdoctoral researcher to the research project “HIDDeN- Exploring the Hidden Dusty Nuclei”, funded by the European Research Council.


• Postdoctoral position in plasma physics, ref 20230596, deadline 1st Dec 2023.

We look for a new team member to join our research team to help advance the understanding of turbulence and transport in the plasma under reactor conditions – a critical part in the design and exploitation of the next step fusion experiments.

For general questions, please contact:
Assoc. Professor Jouni Kainulainen, Astronomy and Plasma Physics, jouni.kainulainen@chalmers.se, +46 31 772 64 23