Subject: Theoretical Physics

Project description
A PhD position is available in theoretical particle and astroparticle physics with emphasis on neutrino physics. Neutrinos are fascinating particles which play an important role in the Standard Model of elementary particle physics, cosmology, and astrophysics. The discovery of neutrino oscillations has shown that neutrinos have small but non-zero masses, which requires an extension of the Standard Model. This project will deal with various aspects of neutrinos, ranging from phenomenological work on current and future neutrino oscillation experiments, implications for beyond Standard Model physics and signatures for LHC at CERN, to cosmological and astrophysical manifestations of neutrinos. Subjects within the project include:
  • You will perform phenomenological analyses of data from neutrino oscillation experiments and contribute to a global analysis of all data in the framework of the “NuFit collaboration”, see www.nu-fit.org.
  • You will study possible indications for exotic neutrino species, so-called sterile neutrinos, and possibilities to test their existence.
  • You will study extensions of the Standard Model to give mass to neutrinos and explore their consequences for LHC as well as cosmology.
  • Possible links of neutrinos to the problem of Dark Matter will be explored.
The project has interdisciplinary character with several sub-topics and you will acquire expertise in a broad range of methods in particle and astroparticle physics. It includes quantum field theory and quantum mechanics, beyond Standard Model physics, cosmology, and astroparticle physics. You will study and develop numerical tools needed to predict experimental signatures departing from a theory and simulate experiments, as well as get familiar with statistical methods to analyze data. The precise course of the work as well as emphasis on sub-topics may be adjusted according to your interests and/or experimental developments.
The position will be placed within the Oskar Klein Centre for Cosmoparticle Physics(okc.albanova.se) which provides an internationally lively research environment and offers close contact to researchers in experimental (IceCube, ATLAS, FERMI) as well as theoretical physics related to the PhD topic. The Department of Physics at Stockholm University is situated in the AlbaNova University Center and has about 180 employees, 250 undergraduate students and 80 PhD students. For more information about the department, see www.fysik.su.se.

Education at the research level
A PhD education at Stockholm University is four years (48 months). The 4-year PhD program includes at least 3 years of research and at most one year of course work. The position may be extended by up to 1 year if up to 20 % teaching assistance or administration is included in the contract. During the beginning of the PhD education, the student receives a study grant ("utbildningsbidrag"), and after at most one year she/he acquires a PhD studentship ("doktorandanställning"). From July 1st 2015 employment will be the only option.

Requirements
To be accepted as a PhD student in Theoretical Physics one should have studied at least four years at a University and have a BSc in Physics. These studies must include advanced courses in Physics during one year and an advanced degree project (a detailed description of a project in progress may suffice).

Selection
The successful applicant will be selected based on documented theoretical and experimental knowledge relevant for the area of study, knowledge of scientific theory and method, analytical skills, personal motivation and team working skills. Well-developed English language skills are required. The applicants are encouraged to provide supporting documents that substantiate qualifications, e.g., knowledge, skills, abilities and experience. References and interviews will be used to assess qualifications of the applicants. We seek a self-motivated candidate with good analytical abilities and skills in English.
Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and gives equal opportunities for all.
The decision cannot be appealed.

Information
For additional information, please contact Thomas Schwetz-Mangold,schwetz@fysik.su.se.

Trade union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST),
telephone +46-(0)8-16 20 00 (switchboard), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO),
telephone +46-(0)70-316 43 41.

Application
Please use the Stockholm University web-based application form (see below). In accordance with that form, please attach the following documents:
  • CV (including methodological skills),
  • copy of independent project thesis,
  • copies of degree certificates,
  • transcripts of academic records (attested) and
  • contact details for two academic referees.
A research plan is not needed.
In order to apply for this position, please use the Stockholm University web-based application form (click here)