at the Department of Physics. Closing date: 15 June 2022.

The Department of Physics is one of the biggest departments within the Faculty of Science and supports a broad range of basic research in experimental and theoretical physics. It has about 250 employees of which 95 are PhD students. Many have been internationally recruited. The Department is part of the AlbaNova University Center, which apart from the Department of Physics houses the Department of Astronomy, the Physics Departments at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), and the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics (Nordita). 

The Department of Physics and Stockholm University is affiliated to Stockholm Dual Career Network (SDCN) that supports expat partners with professional events, career-related advice and by building a social network in their new hometown. www.sdcn.se

Project description
We are advertising a 3-year postdoctoral fellow position, to work with Dr. Jon E. Gudmundsson on a project in cryogenic optics funded by an ERC Starting Grant. The CMBeam program involves aspects in optical instrumentation, simulation, and analysis for experiments studying the cosmic microwave background, including the Simons Observatory, the LiteBIRD satellite, and the Taurus balloon-borne experiment.

The principal aim of CMBeam is to advance aspects of cryogenic optics for millimetre wavelengths. Efforts include the construction of a state-of-the-art cryogenic holography facility for the purposes of testing optical systems of current and future experiments. This infrastructure will facilitate calibration efforts for upcoming CMB experiments such as the Simons Observatory and enable the development of optical measurement techniques that are critical for next-generation experiments.

The successful candidate will be part of the Oskar Klein Centre for Cosmoparticle Physics (www.okc.albanova.se) in Stockholm, a rich scientific environment that comprises more than a hundred researchers working in both theory and experiment in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics and particle physics at both Stockholm University and the Royal Institute for Technology. The OKC hosts a vibrant research program on dark matter, dark energy, transient and multimessenger astrophysics, galaxy evolution, structure formation, and related particle physics questions. Postdoctoral associates are also welcome to participate in Scientific Programs at Nordita, the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics, which bring together groups of leading experts to work on specific topics for extended periods.

Main responsibilities
CMBeam involves development of novel techniques in cryogenic optics. This can be broken down into tasks that require expertise in mechanical design, optics, cryogenics, readout, and RF circuit design. The candidate, together with the PI, will lead the design of an anechoic chamber and custom cryostat that facilitates the testing of quasi-optical systems for future CMB experiments. Using lab measurements enabled by this facility, the candidate is also expected to lead calibration work for upcoming CMB experiments.

Other daily responsibilities include active participation in group meetings and mentoring of PhD students. The successful candidate is also encouraged to actively contribute to the lively academic environment at the OKC.

Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to proven experience in instrumentation for microwave and millimetre wave optical systems. This includes any background in cosmology experiment that relate to the project description. Experience with cryogenics and RF antenna characterization is particularly relevant.

We are looking for driven candidates with strong ability to work both individually and in groups.

Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date may be in September 2022 or by agreement. 

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from Dr. Jon E. Gudmundsson, telephone: +46 8 553 780 70, jon@fysik.su.se.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

  • Your contact details and personal data
  • Your highest degree
  • Your language skills
  • Contact details for 2–3 references
    Important: Your academic referees should send us recommendation letters via email to: FV-1326-22.refletters@fysik.su.se and state in the subject line: SU FV-1326-22 + name of the applicant.

and, in addition, please include the following documents

  • Cover letter
  • CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
  • Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
    – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
    – why and how you wish to complete the project
    – what makes you suitable for the project in question
  • Copy of PhD diploma
  • Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Closing date: 15/06/2022

URL to this pagehttps://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs?rmpage=job&rmjob=17691&rmlang=UK