Postdoctoral Students in Astronomy

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard equality, equal opportunities and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Description of the Workplace

The Planet Formation Group at the Department of Physics (Division of Astrophysics) at Lund University is seeking a PhD student to work on models of planet formation on a galactic scale. Research within the division encompasses galaxy formation, galactic dynamics and evolution, star formation and dynamics, stellar evolution, stellar spectroscopy and astrometry, planet formation and dynamics, as well as exoplanet atmospheres.

Being a Doctoral Student

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

More about being a doctoral student at the Faculty of Science at naturvetenskap.se.

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Work Duties

We are seeking a PhD student in theoretical astrophysics. The PhD student will study how planets form at different times and in different regions of our galaxy. The PhD student will also calculate how certain planetesimals are ejected from planetary systems to become free-flying interstellar planetesimals. The PhD project will give astronomers new insight into where interstellar comets came from.

Your primary responsibility will be to pursue your doctoral studies, which will mainly consist of conducting research and writing a doctoral thesis. In addition, you will be expected to:

• Conduct research within the subject area.
• Publish results in high-quality scientific journals.
• Present research results at national and international conferences.

In addition, you are expected to participate in doctoral courses, seminars and conferenes. In addition to studies, a maximum of 20% of working time may be spent on teaching and other departmental work

Qualifications

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

Admission Requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Specific Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the third-cycle programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics the student must have earned credits in first and second-cycle programmes in which physics, mathematics and/or corresponding engineering subjects have been substantial elements. In addition to 60 credits in basic physics, there is a requirement for at least 60 credits in subjects of relevance to Astronomy and Astrophysics, e.g., courses in astronomy or other physics subjects, or engineering subjects such as space technology and automatic control. The 120 credits must include at least 60 second-cycle credits.

Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programmes will be assessed individually.

In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Astronomy and Astrophysics may be considered for admission.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional Requirements

In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• Strong ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle scientific problems.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Strong collaborative and teamwork skills.
• Very good proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Merits

• Experience in analyzing and working with models of planet formation or galaxy formation
• Excellent numerical and analytical problem-solving skills, as well as experience with programming languages (e.g. Python and Fortran).
• Extensive knowledge of galaxy formation and galaxy formation.

Selection Criteria

The selection of eligible applicants will be made taking into account the ability to benefit from the training based on the following criteria:

• Relevant qualifications and expertise (see the requirements and merit criteria listed above).
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex research problems and to work both collaboratively and independently, as well as to complete tasks on schedule.
• Consideration will also be given to strong collaborative skills, motivation, and independence, as well as to how the applicant's experience and qualifications demonstrate the abilities required to successfully complete doctoral studies.

We Offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

More about working at Lund University on lu.se.

About the Employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting as agreed. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University's Staffpages.

Other

Any other information such as where and when interviews will be held.

How to Apply

The application should be written in English and you must attach to your application:

• CV and personal letter with a justification of why you are interested in the training place/employment and in what way the research project matches your interests and your educational background.
• Copies of issued study certificates and/or diplomas. These should prove your basic and special eligibility for the doctoral education subject and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral education project.
• Other information that you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

We welcome your application.

Within the Faculty of Science research and education is conducted within Astronomy, Biology, Physics, Geosciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, medical radiation physics, physical geography and Environmental Sciences. The Faculty of Science is organized into eight departments, gathered in the northern campus area in Lund. The Faculty of Science has approximately 1900 students, 330 PhD students and 730 employees.

The Department of Physics is one of Lund University's largest departments with approximately 400 employees. The department is shared between the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering. At the department there are seven research divisions and a number of major research centra. The research at the department covers a wide range of modern physics.

www.fysik.lu.se/en/

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Position Information

Type of employment: Temporary position

First day of employment: After agreement

Salary: Monthly salary

Number of positions: 1

Full-time equivalent: 100

City: Lund

County: Skåne län

Country: Sweden

Reference number: PA2026/2727

Contact

Anders Johansen, Professor
anders.johansen@fysik.lu.se

Union Representatives

SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-2229366, sekocivil@seko.lu.se

OFR/ST: Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-2229362, st@st.lu.se

SACO: Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, 046-2220000, kansli@seko.lu.se

Application Deadline

Published: 29.Sep.2026

Last application date: 01.Dec.2026