Doctoral Researcher, Astronomy

The University of Helsinki is among the leading multidisciplinary research universities in the world. In addition to its 11 faculties, the University includes several independent institutes, some of which are jointly operated with other universities. Some 35,000 students are currently pursuing an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree at the University of Helsinki. Measured in number of students and teachers, the Faculty of Science at the University of Helsinki is the largest science faculty in Finland. There are some 6,000 students taking a basic degree. Out of them, some 1,000 are postgraduates. There are some 500 international students, and over 200 researchers and teachers from abroad.

We are looking for a motivated Doctoral Researcher (PhD candidate) to join our research group that is studying Galactic molecular clouds and star-formation processes. The work will be carried out at the Department of Physics, University of Helsinki. The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

The Department of Physics  is a large and multidisciplinary department that offers the most varied university programme in the physical sciences in Finland. At the beginning of 2022, the department employs about 200 people, of which 2 are academy professors, 20 are professors and 5 associate professors or assistant professors. The research at the department and the research-based teaching follow a high international standard, are nationally significant, and promote the mental and economic wellbeing in society.

Description

The Doctoral Researcher will be employed for up to 46 months, to complete PhD studies in the Doctoral Programme in Particle Physics and Universe Sciences. The PhD work will take place in the context of an Academy of Finland -financed research project that seeks to understand the initial conditions and processes of Galactic star formation, using a combination of observations and numerical simulations.

The employed PhD student will concentrate on observational work. This involves the analysis of observations of dust continuum and molecular spectral lines, from optical to radio wavelengths. The studied objects range in scale from cloud complexes to individual protostellar cores. The general goal is to characterise the physical and chemical evolution patterns along the star-formation process. The work can start with existing data (e.g. from JCMT, ALMA, and other ESO telescopes), but the student is also expected to be active in leading new observing-time proposals. In addition to the observational work, the student can participate in the modelling of the observations and in their comparison with numerical simulations and paradigms of low-mass and high-mass star formation.

Requirements and eligibility criteria

The requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki can be found at: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/eligibility-and-educational-documents The employed Doctoral Researcher should have MSc in astronomy or physics, with some knowledge of interstellar-medium studies. Good computing skills and good command of the English language are required. Practical experience of the analysis of astronomical data (especially radio interferometry) will be considered a plus.

How to apply

Please submit your application via our recruitment system on 15 September 2022 at the latest. The contract can start at the beginning of November 2022, or as agreed. Questions of the positions should be addressed to Doctor Mika Juvela, [email protected] .

Research fields: Astronomy
Career stage: Early stage researcher or 0-4 years (Post graduate)
Research Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Benefits:

The position is full time and funded for 46 months. The salary will be based on level 2 of the demands level table for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary will be ca. 2400-2600 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.