PhD student position in in Astrochemistry at Onsala Space Observatory

Are you fascinated by the fact that interstellar chemistry might dictate the emergence of life on planetary bodies? Chalmers is looking for a motivated and analytical PhD candidate who wants to investigate outstanding questions in astrochemistry. You will have the opportunity to work on theoretical and observational investigations of chemical evolution in star-forming environments under the supervision of associate professor Eva Wirström, in connection to the Chalmers Initiative on Cosmic Origins as well as international collaborators.

Information about the research and the division
This research project will focus on the formation and build-up of water and organic molecules in molecular clouds and envelopes from which young stars form, where the presence of microscopic dust grains has a major impact on the chemistry. In these environments, molecules might form and react both in the gas-phase and on the surfaces of dust grains, forming ices, and one of the goals is to investigate mechanisms for transitions between gas and ice phase and their effects on the chemical evolution. The work will involve the development of a gas-grain chemical reaction network, testing this network under various conditions in time dependent chemical models, and identifying key reactions and mechanisms to explore further. Depending on your background and interest, this theoretical work can be complemented by observational studies of molecular inventories in these environments, to test the models. This would then involve planning and analysing observations with single dish telescopes, like the 20m telescope at OSO or the APEX telescope in Chile, and/or interferometers like ALMA.

As a PhD student you will belong to the Onsala Space Observatory Division of the Department of Space, Earth and Environment (SEE). Onsala Space Observatory is the Swedish national facility for Radio Astronomy, hosting the Nordic ALMA Regional Centre and also research groups in Advanced Receiver Development and Space Geodesy and Geodynamics. Astronomy and astrophysics research is hosted within two divisions at SEE, Onsala Space Observatory and Astronomy and Plasma Physics. Our members work in close connection and research covers a wide range of topics including astrochemistry, the birth and death of stars, exoplanets, formation and evolution of galaxies and the solar system. The research spans theoretical and computational studies, observational programs and instrumentation development for ground and space based observatories.

Physically, we are situated both at the observatory in Onsala south of Gothenburg and at the main Johanneberg campus in Gothenburg.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as a PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies to become an independent researcher. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The position may also include teaching at Chalmers or performing other duties corresponding to up to 20% of working hours, thereby increasing the duration of the position beyond 4 years. You are expected to write a licentiate thesis within 2-3 years and defend your doctoral thesis within 4-5 years.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. Starting date is expected in mid-2021, but no later than 1 September 2021. The starting salary for PhD positions is approximately 31,000 SEK per month. Expected position duration is 4 years which include course work corresponding to 1 year.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position you must have completed a MSc or equivalent degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education (ECTS) credits in astrophysics, astronomy, chemistry, physics, or scientific computing, by July 2021. Completed courses in astronomy and experience in programming (e.g. python, C++, Matlab), radio astronomy observational techniques, teaching, scientific writing and communication are all considered assets for the position.

Excellent writing and communication skills in English are required.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200553 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 28 February, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Associate professor Eva Wirström, Onsala Space Observatory
E-mail: eva.wirstrom@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 7725520, +46 70 9492363

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***