Postdoc in experimental high-energy astrophysics

Job description

Polarimetry of X-ray emission from compact celestial objects is a burgeoning branch of high-energy astrophysics. The astroparticle physics group at the KTH Physics Department has worked on the development of polarimeters in the hard X-ray band during the last 20 years. The group currently participates in the balloon-borne XL-Calibur mission. This position focuses on (i) the analysis and interpretation of XL-Calibur data from the summer 2024 balloon flight, where the Crab pulsar and black-hole binary Cyg X-1 were observed;  (ii) preparations for a future balloon flight, probably from Antarctica; (iii) studies for possible future balloon and satellite missions.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Within the Division of Particle physics, astrophysics, and medical imaging, research includes the analysis and interpretation of observational data on cosmic explosions and compact objects, as well as the development of space-based instrumentation for astrophysics. The Division also works with particle physics at CERN and theoretical studies of neutrino mass and dark matter. Activities form part of the Oskar Klein Centre for Cosmoparticle Physics - a prominent research environment at AlbaNova University Centre.
• The X-ray polarimetry group has excellent facilities for instrument development and production. As part of the KTH Space Centre, the group also has access to advanced test facilities for instruments to be used in the space environment.
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature.
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Research expertise in experimental high-energy astrophysics.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, since work is conducted as part of an international collaboration.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience with X-ray polarimetry.
• Experience with the ROOT data analysis framework.
• Experience with Geant-4 simulation framework.
• Experience with X-ray detector development in the laboratory.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.
• Good pedagogic skills are desirable as well as the ability to inform about research and development work.
• Experience of developing and leading activities and staff.
• You are goal and result oriented.
• Your interpersonal skills allow efficient co-operation with colleagues.
• You can work independently.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• CV detailing relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximum two pages long.
• Contact information for 2 referees. There is no need to include letters of reference in the application.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

According to The Protective Security Act (2018-585), the candidate must undergo and pass security vetting if the position is placed in a security class. Information regarding whether the position is subject to such a classification will be provided during the recruitment process.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here

1. Professor Mark Pearce, pearce@kth.se
2. Prefekt professor Pär Olsson, polsson@kth.se