Third-cycle subject: Physics
The PhD student will conduct research in the field of X-ray astronomy, with an emphasis on emission associated with supernovae and their remnants. The project will involve the analysis of observational data, including data mining and data-intensive methods, to address scientific questions such as the properties of compact objects formed in supernovae. The student will work with observations from major X-ray telescopes (e.g., XMM-Newton and Chandra), complemented by multiwavelength data from other facilities.
The student will join the research group of Professor Josefin Larsson, providing opportunities for collaboration on related projects, such as studies of supernova remnants at infrared and optical wavelengths.
Astrophysics research at KTH also includes the development of instrumentation for X-ray astronomy and studies of gamma-ray bursts (Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Medical Imaging | KTH). These activities are part of the Oskar Klein Centre for Cosmoparticle Physics (OKC) at the AlbaNova University Centre (https://www.okc.albanova.se), which provides a vibrant international research environment, including a large community of researchers working on supernovae. The centre hosts a broad range of seminars, activities, and opportunities for scientific collaboration.
Supervision: Professor Josefin Larsson is proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission
To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:
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passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
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completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
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acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
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The basic eligibility should be in either astronomy or physics
In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.
In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:
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independently pursue his or her work
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collaborate with others,
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have a professional approach and
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analyze and work with complex issues.
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The following experiences and skills are considered particularly important: A MSc project in astronomy, experience of analysis of astronomical data, excellent written and oral communication skills.
After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.
Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.
As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.
Contact information for union representatives.
Contact information for PhD chapter.
Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.
Applications must include the following elements:
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Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.Copies of originals must be certified.
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CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
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Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
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Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.
Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).
For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.
It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.
We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.
Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.
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Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100% | Ort: Stockholm | Län: Stockholms län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: PA-2026-2746 | Kontakt: Josefin Larsson , Josefin Larsson , | Publicerat: 2026-09-03 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-10-06
