PhD student position on dust evolution in galaxies

Information about the department and the project  
Research at 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 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. The research in the division of Astronomy and Plasma Physics (AoP) covers a wide range of topics, including evolved stars, interstellar medium, astrochemistry, star and planet formation, exoplanets, observational cosmology, galaxy formation and evolution and galaxy clusters. The activities of AoP are situated at the main Johanneberg Campus and at 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).

We are looking for a PhD student to take part in the research project "The Origin and Fate of Dust in the Universe", which is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation. The project is a collaboration between astronomers and theoretical chemists at Chalmers University of Technology and Gothenburg University. The succesful applicant will, together with the research team form a collaborative unit to study dust formation, destruction and growth throughout the Universe. The student will also be closely associated with the research groups of Profs. Susanne Aalto, Kirsten Knudsen and Wouter Vlemmings in AoP. More information on specific research topics can be found at the project webpage cosmic-dust.se. In particular, the main topic of interest is observations and modeling of dust around supermassive black holes in external galaxies - but is also linked to dust in evolved stars and the interstellar medium in the local and high-redshift environment.

-The details of the departmental research activities may be found here.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as PhD student is to perform your research within the extended collaboration of the project "The origin and fate of dust in our Universe". You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. There will also be an opportunity for department duties such as teaching and/our outreach.

Qualifications
To qualify for this PhD student positions you must have a master´s level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Physics, Engineering Physics, Astronomy or other relevant field and a demonstrated potential for research.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position will be for 4-years with possible extension to 5 years with institutional duties.

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 20220297 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. 

Application deadline: 10.07.2022

For questions, please contact:
Prof. Susanne Aalto, Astronomy & Plasma Physics; Space, Earth and Environments
E-mail: susanne.aalto@chalmers.se, +46 31 77 26693

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



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!