PhD student in Experimental Particle Physics with the ATLAS experiment at CERN

The Department of Physics is located in the AlbaNova University Center and has approximately 240 employees, 250 students at undergraduate level and 95 graduate students. There are four research subjects within the postgraduate program: Physics, Theoretical Physics, Chemical Physics and Medical Radiation Physics. These subjects span over several research groups with different research activities. For information about the Department of Physics, see: www.fysik.su.se/english.

Project description
Subject: Physics

Search for new physics in the Higgs sector with the ATLAS experiment at CERN.

The ATLAS experiment is the largest detector at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The data from the experiment is used to explore the smallest constituents of the matter and how these interact with each other. A major discovery was made in 2012 when the long search for the Higgs particle was finally crowned with success. The Higgs particle was the last missing piece of the standard model of particle physics. Despite its experimental success the standard model cannot explain several phenomena (for instance the baryon asymmetry of the universe, dark matter or neutrino masses).

We are seeking strong candidates with the ability to work well within a large collaboration such as ATLAS. The candidate should have a deep interest in fundamental physics, computer-based data analysis and development of novel analysis techniques including AI. The selected candidate will work with analysis of the data from the ATLAS experiment in the area of Higgs physics and search for new heavy Higgs-like particles.

The Stockholm university ATLAS group contributed to the design and construction of the ATLAS experiment, and is currently contributing to the construction of new electronics for the High Luminosity LHC. The group is currently composed of 15 members of which 7 PhD students. For more information see: https://bub.fysik.su.se and http://www.atlas.ch.

Education at the research level
A PhD education at Stockholm University is four years (48 months). The 4-year PhD program includes at least 3 years of research and at most one year of course work. The position may be extended by up to one year if up to 20 % teaching assistance or administration is included in the contract. The PhD student is employed (“doktorandanställning”) during the studies, with a monthly salary starting at SEK 29 700.

Qualification requirements
In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

In order to be accepted as a PhD student in Physics or Theoretical Physics a BSc in Physics (or equivalent) is required. The studies must include 60 credits of second-cycle courses in physics out of which at least 15 credits correspond to a second-cycle degree project. The degree project does not have to have been examined at the application deadline, but work corresponding to half a semester of full-time studies should have been devoted to it. For the subject Chemical Physics courses in chemistry may replace the required physics courses. The subject Medical Radiation Physics requires a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in the subject area, or with 60 credits of physics, a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in another subject area.

In addition, proficiency in English language, equivalent to English B in Swedish high school, is required, or

  • Previously completed University degree taught in English
  • IELTS score (Academic) of 6.0 or more (with none of the sections scoring less than 5.0)
  • TOEFL score of 550 or more (computer based test 213, internet based 79)
  • Cambridge/Oxford – Advanced or Proficiency level

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The successful applicant will be selected based on documented theoretical and experimental knowledge relevant for the area of study, knowledge of scientific theory and method, analytical skills, personal motivation and team working skills. Well-developed English language skills are required. The applicants are encouraged to provide supporting documents that substantiate qualifications, e.g., knowledge, skills, abilities and experience.

References and interviews will be used to assess qualifications of the applicants. We seek a self-motivated candidate with good analytical abilities and skilled in English.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at: www.su.se/rules and regulations.

Terms of employment
Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

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

Contact
For more information about the project, please contact Christophe Clement, christophe.clement@fysik.su.se and Sara Strandberg strandberg@fysik.su.se.

For information about the employment Prof. Michael Odelius, odelius@fysik.su.se.

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

Application
Apply for the PhD student 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 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 no later than the closing date, via e-mail to: FV-0287-24.refletters@fysik.su.se and state in the subject line: SU FV-0287-24 + name of the applicant.

and, in addition, please include the following documents

  • Cover letter describing among other things:
    – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
    – what makes you suitable for the project in question
  • CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of degree projects/theses
  • Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
  • Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 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.

Deadline: 2024-03-01 at 23:59
Unit: Physical sciences/Math

Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.