Two postdoctoral positions in supernova and kilonova research

Two postdoctoral positions are available in the research group of Dr Anders Jerkstrand, funded by ERC Starting Grant "Three-dimensional spectral modelling of astrophysical transients: unravelling the nucleosynthetic content of supernovae and kilonovae”.

The positions are focused on developing and applying light curve and spectral models in order to diagnose the structure and composition of supernovae and kilonovae. The work may involve improving the physical treatments in spectral modelling code (the group uses mainly the SUMO code), understanding better gas microphysics and radiative transfer, calculating new models, but also data collection and analysis. Work to improve computing performance is also conceivable, for candidates most interested in HPC. One position will be kilonova-focused and the other supernova-focused (core-collapse variant), although some topics relate to applications in both fields. The ultimate goal of the research group is to better understand the stellar origin of these transients, the physics of the explosion, and the production of elements across the periodic table.

Applicants should hold a PhD degree, or expect to complete their PhD degree within the next few months. Due to university regulations the PhD degree is normally not more than 3 years old, however exceptions to this can be granted. 

The appointments are for 2+1 years, with the third year awarded upon satisfactory progress. Generous funding for travel and equipment are available. In addition to work in the group, the successful applicants will also be able to enjoy interaction with the many other researchers at SU/Albanova in the field of transient research, as well as with other groups at the department (planets, solar and stellar astrophysics, galaxies, cosmology). Opportunities for student supervision are likely available, and a part of the research time can be dedicated to any project of choice of the candidate.

You are welcome with your application! To apply please follow this link.