PhD student position in the study of evolved stars

Applications are invited for a PhD position in the study of evolved stars. The project will make use of observations with radio- and sub-millimeter interferometers such as ALMA and the VLA.

Information about the research/the project/the division
This PhD position will be hosted within the Astronomy and Plasma Physics (AoP) Division of the Department of Space, Earth and Environment (SEE). The group has close connections to the Onsala Space Observatory (OSO), which is the Swedish national facility for Radio Astronomy. The observatory operates telescopes in Sweden, shares in the APEX telescope in Chile, and hosts the Nordic ALMA Regional Center (ARC). The research topics of the division cover a broad range of topics including formation and evolution of galaxies, the birth and death of stars, astrochemistry, and exoplanets.

The evolved stars research group, with researchers from both AoP and OSO, is one of the largest in Europe, with approximately 10 members from senior scientists to PhD students. The group is active in observational astronomy at all wavelengths, with a focus on millimeter and submillimeter facilities, as well as radiative transfer modelling of molecular line emission and dust.

The position will focus on the physical properties of the extended atmospheres of AGB stars. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to influence the details of the research project and will combine observational work with theoretical modelling. The PhD student will be expected to lead the work in close collaboration with Dr. Theo Khouri and Professor Wouter Vlemmings and other members of the evolved stars group. The research will be done both at Onsala Space Observatory, where Chalmers hosts the Swedish National Facility for Radio Astronomy, and at the main Chalmers campus at Johanneberg.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as a PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. 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 up to 20 per cent of working hours, depending on availability.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student an MSc in astronomy or physics or similar is required. Experience with stellar evolution and/or observational techniques would be an asset. Good command of the English language is required.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210389 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: 24 September, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Theo Khouri, Astronomy & Plasma Physics; Space, Earth and Environment
E-mail: theo.khouri@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 7725516

Professor Wouter Vlemmings, Astronomy & Plasma Physics; Space, Earth, and Environment
E-mail: wouter.vlemmings@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 7726354

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



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