PhD position in Space Physics

 

Department of Physics at Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-physics/) conducts strong research in the areas of organic electronics, condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics, space physics, and theoretical physics

The Department of Physics is now looking for a PhD student in space physics. Last day to apply is May 15, 2021.  Starting date, September 1, 2021, or by appointment.

Work task and project description
The solar wind carries large amounts of energy and mass throughout the solar system, but Earth is partly shielded by two thin boundaries and current sheets: the bow shock and the magnetopause. The bow shock is the outermost boundary where the supersonic solar wind is slowed down and a turbulent magnetosheath plasma is created. The bow shock has long been considered to be a quite passive element in geospace. However, recent studies show that it can have a far more important role for the magnetosphere. For example, magnetosheath jets (localized kinetic energy enhancements) generated at the shock can impact the magnetopause and cause disturbances in the magnetosphere.

In the project we will investigate properties of magnetosheath jets upstream Earth and their effects on the magnetosphere. In our investigations will use data from several spacecraft missions and ground-based observatories. The PhD project will be conducted in close collaboration with scientists from the University Centre in Svalbard, Charles University in Prague, and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.

The project is financed by the Swedish Research Council.

Qualifications
To be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have basic eligibility through a degree at the advanced level, or completed courses of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits at the advanced level, or equivalent foreign education, or equivalent qualifications.

In order to meet the requirement for special eligibility to be admitted to postgraduate studies in experimental physics, the applicant must have passed courses in the subject area of physics of at least 120 ECTS credits.
The requirements must be fulfilled at the time of admission and do not have to be fulfilled at the time of application.

Analysis of data is an essential part of the work, and good skills in programming and good experience from using specifically Matlab or equivalent are required. Good communication skills in written and spoken English are also a requirement. We are looking for a highly motivated, goal-oriented and responsible candidate who is passionate for developing as an individual scientist as well as a space physics research team member. In order to succeed as a PhD student, you must be creative and devoted to work. You must be interested in space physics and have a relevant educational background. You must also have good interpersonal skills, be resourceful, and have a high degree of independence.

As a doctoral student, you will be active in research, read doctoral courses, and possibly participate in teaching courses at the undergraduate level. The goal of doctoral studies is to achieve a doctoral degree. The financing period is limited to equivalent of four years full-time. Up to 20% of the employment can consist of teaching such as lab supervisors. In such cases, the corresponding time is added to the total available time (up to a maximum of five years).

Application
The application must contain:

1. A cover letter. It should include your qualifications and previous experience relevant for the position, your motives for wanting to pursue studies at the PhD level in this area, your career ambitions, and the expectations you have on working life after you have completed a doctoral degree.
2. A curriculum vitae (CV);
3. Certified copies of diplomas and certificates translated into Swedish or English, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades (for an international applicant, the grading system should be shortly described);
4. Copies of thesis and/or any publications.
5. Names and contact information for at least three reference persons.

Information
For further information, contact Associate Professor Maria Hamrin, maria.hamrin@space.umu.se. Applications are submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi. Last application date is May 15, 2021.

Welcome with your application!

Admission

September 1, 2021, or by appointment

Contact

Maria Hamrin

 

090-786 60 36

Registration number

AN 2.2.1-432-21

Salary

According to a local agreement for PhD students

Union representative

SACO

 

090-786 53 65

ST

 

090-786 54 31

SEKO

 

090-786 52 96

Apply

before

2021-05-15