PhD in Astrophysics: X-ray Studies of Supernovae and Their Remnants at KTH

Job Description

KTH’s School of Engineering Sciences is recruiting a doctoral student in X-ray astronomy in Prof. Josefin Larsson’s group. The research focuses on X-ray emission from supernovae and their remnants, using data mining and data-intensive analysis of observations from XMM-Newton, Chandra and other facilities to study questions such as the properties of the compact objects supernovae leave behind. The group is part of the Oskar Klein Centre for Cosmoparticle Physics at AlbaNova.

At a glance

• Position: Doctoral student (1 post), up to four years full time
• Subject: Physics
• Supervisor: Prof. Josefin Larsson (proposed), josla@kth.se
• Start: Beginning of 2027 or earlier
• Reference: PA-2026-2746
• Apply by: 6 October 2026
• Apply: 6 October 2026

About the X-ray astronomy PhD

• Analyse X-ray observations of supernovae and supernova remnants from telescopes such as XMM-Newton and Chandra
• Use data mining and data-intensive methods, with multiwavelength data from other facilities
• Study the properties of compact objects formed in supernovae
• Collaborate on related infrared and optical studies of supernova remnants within the Oskar Klein Centre

What to include in your application

KTH asks for certified copies of diplomas, grades and English language certificates (with translations if needed), a CV, a letter of at most two pages on why you want to do research and how it links to your studies and goals, and representative publications or technical reports. Applications must arrive by midnight CET/CEST on the closing date.

How KTH doctoral employment works

Only applicants admitted to doctoral studies can be employed as doctoral students. The first contract is for up to one year and is then renewed for up to two years at a time, adding up to at most four years of full-time study. Up to 20% of working time may go to tasks such as teaching and administration. Applicants need English at the level of Swedish upper-secondary English B/6.

PhD applicants: browse our Find a supervisor directory to see who works in your area.

What KTH is looking for

• Basic eligibility in astronomy or physics (a master’s degree or equivalent credits)
• English equivalent to English B/6

Nice to have

• An MSc project in astronomy
• Experience analysing astronomical data
• Excellent written and spoken communication

Pay and location

Doctoral students at KTH are salaried employees, paid monthly under KTH’s doctoral student salary agreement; the advert gives no figure. The post is full time in Stockholm, starting by agreement.

How to apply

Apply through the official KTH page. The closing date is 6 October 2026.

See all our PhD positions, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.