PhD position in high-energy emission from Neutron stars in binaries

About the job

We welcome applications for one PhD position at the Department of Physics of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). We especially encourage women to apply for this position.

The selected candidate will join a growing and multifaceted research team funded by the H2020 ERC Consolidator Grant LOVE-NEST (PI: M. Linares). The main focus of the ERC team is the study of compact binary millisecond pulsars, which has an impact on a broad range of science topics (including super-massive neutron stars, nuclear physics, gravitational wave astronomy, cosmic rays, accretion flows and pulsar winds).

The position has a duration of three years, with a possible six-month extension contingent on availability and optional teaching duties. The start date is mutually agreeable, and expected September-November 2023.

The position is based in Trondheim: a vibrant multicultural city surrounded by beautiful landscapes and the third largest municipality in Norway (renowned as its technological capital). NTNU is the largest University in the country and provides excellent working conditions.

About the group

The Astrophysics and Particle Physics (APP) Group carries out research in high-energy astrophysics, astroparticle physics and multi-wavelength astronomy, as well as particle physics. Its current scientific interests include compact objects, cosmic ray production, transport and detection, astrophysical neutrinos, active galactic nuclei and quantum chromodynamics.

The APP Group is part of the Department of Physics, which currently employs about 160 people. On average some 2000 NTNU students follow courses at the Department of Physics every year.

Duties of the position

The PhD candidate will work on topics related to compact binary millisecond pulsars (aka “spiders”) within the LOVE-NEST team. The canddiate  is expected to analyze, model and interpret X-ray and gamma-ray observations of spiders and related systems.

Required selection criteria

• A MSc in Astronomy or Astrophysics (by the start date of the position)
• Experience in high-energy astrophysics
• Fluent English communication, written and oral
• Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree program, where 120 credits are obtained at master's level
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an average grade from the master's degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's doctoral program.

Preferred selection criteria

• Published experience in compact objects and accretion flows
• Experience in observational high-energy astrophysics (X-ray and/or gamma-ray data analysis)

Personal characteristics

• Social and collaborative skills (ability to work in a team and contribute to its success)
• Enthusiasm for science
• Independent
• Systematic

We offer

• Exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• Favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Employee benefits
• Access to telescope time through dedicated ERC funds and the Nordic Optical Telescope
• Ample budget for travel, computing equipment and other research expenses
• Access to the computer cluster at the Department of Physics

Salary and conditions

As a PhD candidate (code 1017) you are normally paid from gross NOK 501 200 per annum before tax. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.

The application must include : 

• Cover letter (summarize your background and motivation to apply; max. 1p)
• CV (max. 4p; and the most important certificates/diplomas, with English translation when necessary)
• List of publications (briefly describe your contribution in the case of large collaborations; max. 4p)
• Two reference letters sent directly by the academic references to [email protected]

Application deadline: 31.05.23

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.
For full details see:

https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/244680/phd-position-in-hi...