PhD student Atomic Astrophysics - atomic data for kilonova spectroscopy

The doctoral project focuses on atomic data for heavy elements, primarily those expected to be produced in binary neutron star mergers. The presence and abundance of these elements are observed in the spectral signatures of the ejecta of the mergers, the so-called kilonovae. The scientific approach to be used in the project will be a combination of high-resolution Fourier Transform spectroscopy (FTS) and atomic structure calculations. The intent is to develop techniques to combine the data from both approaches to provide a data set for the astrophysical analysis of stellar merger spectroscopic signatures. The project as a whole fits within the emerging field referred to as multi-messenger astronomy. 

Our research group has specialized on atomic radiative data for elements important for astrophysical analysis and diagnostics. We use both in-house experimental setups in a FTS laboratory and state-of-the-art atomic structure codes such as GRASP and ATSP2k, developed within the group, and often the combination of both approaches. The connection to the astronomical community is strong, and most projects are performed in collaboration. Your particular focus will be on the experimental work, with development of experiments to produce the emission spectra of the elements, and on the data analysis to combine the experimental and theoretical data. You will plan and perform the experiments, and work on data analysis closely with the group performing the theoretical calculations. We have a strong international collaboration, and you will take active part in conferences, meetings and research exchanges including visits to other laboratories.

The specific focus of the projects and the techniques used are flexible, and you will have a considerable freedom to decide on the direction of your investigations along the project.    

Those appointed to doctoral studentships shall primarily devote themselves to their studies. Those appointed to doctoral studentships may, however, work to a limited extent with educational tasks, research, artistic research and administration, however, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20 per cent of a full-time post (Chapter 5, Section 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance). 

https://mau.se/en/research/research-subjects/physical-sciences/