The position is located in the Astrophysics Division of the Department of Physics to collaborate with Ross Church on binary population synthesis, supporting preparations for LISA. LISA will be a space-based gravitational-wave interferometer, composed of three spacecraft flying in a triangular formation with laser interferometers along each arm. It will detect gravitational waves in the milliHz range from the assembly and merger of high-redshift supermassive black holes, as well as from binary star systems in the Milky Way.
The project will also explore the connection between LISA and GaiaNIR. GaiaNIR proposes an all-sky astrometric survey in infrared wavelengths, aiming to extend Gaia science to the dust-obscured galactic bulge and center. There is overlap between the work needed to prepare for observations of compact binary systems with LISA and GaiaNIR’s pre-mission studies.
Job Duties
The student’s main research project is to produce a LISA model galaxy containing a synthetic sample of compact binary systems, calculated using the most up-to-date stellar and binary physics, and distributed in a Galaxy model based on results from the Gaia space mission and ground-based surveys. The result will be a reliable prediction of the galactic population of LISA sources and the resulting gravitational wave background, as well as a quantification of the uncertainty. This will provide a realistic simulated noise background for the LISA analysis process and allow quantification of how many binary systems can be recovered from the noise.
The student will collaborate with a postdoctoral researcher working on developing a global analysis solution for gravitational wave data from the LISA mission. The LISA model galaxy will be used to generate a realistic model of the LISA signal from galactic sources.
The student will also apply the model galaxy to mission definition studies for GaiaNIR. They will use the LISA model galaxy to predict faint star populations—including, but not limited to, binaries—in the central Milky Way, understand the impact of crowding on satellite design decisions, and evaluate and plan multi-messenger science cases where targets are observed with both LISA and GaiaNIR.
The main responsibilities of doctoral students are to pursue their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and postgraduate courses. Their work may also include teaching and other departmental duties (maximum 20%).
Requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for postgraduate courses and programs of study if:
- has obtained a second cycle qualification, or
- has met the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
- has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
Specific admission requirements
To be admitted to the postgraduate program in Astronomy and Astrophysics, students must have earned credits in first- and second-cycle programs in which physics, mathematics, or corresponding engineering subjects were substantial elements. In addition to the 60 credits in basic physics, at least 60 credits are required in subjects relevant to Astronomy and Astrophysics, for example, astronomy courses or other physics subjects, or engineering subjects such as space technology and automatic control. The 120 credits must include at least 60 second-cycle credits. First- and second-cycle courses must include a 30-credit thesis.
Equivalent knowledge acquired through the corresponding programs will be assessed individually.
In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and significant specializations in certain areas, admission of students with qualifications in subjects other than Physics may be considered.
Finally, it must be assessed whether the student has the potential to complete the program.
Additional requirements:
- Very good oral and written level of English.
- Strong skills in presenting and discussing scientific topics.
Benefits
Only those admitted to postgraduate studies are eligible for a doctoral scholarship. Postgraduate studies consist of full-time studies over four years. A doctoral scholarship is a fixed-term position of up to five years (including 20% of departmental duties). Doctoral scholarships are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, §§ 1-7.
Organization/Company – Lunds University
Research Field – Astronomy » Astrophysics Researcher Profile – Early Stage Researcher (R1)
Country – Sweden
Application Deadline – April 18, 2025 – 21:59 (UTC)
More information Euraxess.
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