Doctoral Grants in Astronomy and Astrophysics at Lund University, Sweden

Type of employment: Limit of tenure, 4 years
Extent: 100 %
Location: Department of Astronomy and Theoretical Physics (Astronomy), Lund
First day of employment: as soon as possible in 2012
Official Records Number: NPA 2011/546

Research on the formation and evolution of exoplanets is in rapid development, fuelled by the wealth of new observational data and the advent of more and more powerful supercomputers. Lund University invites applicants to up to three PhD positions working on theoretical models of planet formation and evolution of planetary systems, funded independently by a Starting Grant from the European Research Council and by the Swedish Research Council.

Job assignments

The PhD students will work on theoretical/computational models of planet formation and orbital evolution. Planet formation research at Lund Observatory focuses on hydrodynamical models of planet formation and orbital dynamics models of planetary systems. Together with the current group members and a new postdoc funded by the European Research Council, the new PhD students will work in an inspiring environment towards the common goal of formulating and testing a new planet formation theory framework that is self-consistent as well as consistent with observational constraints.

Eligibility/Entry Requirements

The grant is open to students of all nationalities who, at the time of starting the PhD studies, have obtained a Masters degree in astronomy, physics, or engineering physics, or in other ways obtained the equivalent qualifications. In case of uncertainty concerning the applicant's eligibility, it is advisable to contact the department for clarification. The discipline curriculum for postgraduate studies in Astronomy and astrophysics is found at http://www.science.lu.se/upload/LUPDF/natvet/FU/Studieplan/E-astronomy.pdf. Good knowledge in spoken and written English is required. For more information on our PhD programme, see http://www.astro.lu.se/Education/FU/.

Basis of Assessment

A doctoral grant is awarded for the first 12 months of full-time study and then transferred to a doctoral studentship. Regulations concerning grants for doctoral students can be found in SFS 1995:938 and 1998:81. Regulations concerning appointment as a doctoral Studentship can be found in HF 5 Chap 1-7§§ and SFS 1998:80. To be accepted for postgraduate studies, a student must be judged to have the competence necessary to complete a PhD during the tenure of the appointment. In addition to pursuing postgraduate studies, the doctoral student may also be required to perform other duties - including research, teaching and administration - according to the specific regulations.

Additional Information

Applications should include a description of research interests and past experience, CV, copies of degrees, diplomas and grades, copies of any previous research-related work. The application should also include the names, positions, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least two persons who have agreed to serve as a reference for the applicant. Note that reference letters should not be sent to us in connection with the application; we will contact the reference persons when required.

Further Scholarship Information and Application