First Research Assistant Position in Space Physics (2 years) - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Physics is looking for a candidate for a first research assistant position in space physics. This is a full-time (100 %) position for two years. Start date September 1 or according to agreement. The project will be conducted at Umeå University in close collaboration with scientists from the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) in Kiruna, Sweden, and University of Bern, Switzerland. The application deadline is June 27, 2019.

Project description and working tasks
You will work to advance our current understanding of the Jovian plasma interaction with the magnetosphere, exosphere, and surface of Ganymede (one of the Galilean moons of Jupiter and the largest moon in our Solar System) using kinetic plasma simulations and through comparison with observations. The interaction of the Jovian plasma with Ganymede forms fundamental magnetospheric and planetary processes including well-defined magnetospheric boundaries, bursty magnetic reconnection, complex surface weathering, and generation of a neutral exosphere. You will work on the understanding of the dynamics of ions and neutrals in Ganymede’s magnetosphere and make estimations and provide constraints for observations by the Swedish-led Particle Environment Package (PEP) onboard ESA’s JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) mission.

The project is based on simulations. The main tasks include, but are not limited to, increasing our understanding of the complex structure and dynamics of Ganymede’s magnetosphere with the main focus on magnetic reconnection, and to investigate the formation and loss mechanism of Ganymede’s neutral exosphere.

This project is financed by the Swedish National Space Agency (Rymdstyrelsen).

Qualifications
You should have a PhD degree in space plasma physics, magnetospheric physics or equivalent, or in another area relevant for the project.

Extensive experience in studying space plasma phenomena using computer simulations and analysing data from spacecraft (such as magnetometer and particle data) and/or ground-based datasets is required. You are expected to have advanced knowledge, understanding, and experience of kinetic plasma modelling (i.e., particle-in-cell, hybrid-kinetic, Monte Carlo, and test particle). Good skills in programming (e.g. C/C++ and Python) are required. Previous experience of parallel programming and plasma model development as well as a deep understanding of plasma interactions with planetary moons, especially the Jovian moons, would be an advantage. Experience from conducting independent research and publishing articles in renowned scientific journals is also a major benefit. You should be highly motivated and responsible, have good social skills, and should be passionate about positive development both as an individual scientist and as a space physics research team member. Good skills in written and spoken English are a necessary requirement.

Application
The application should include:

1. A cover letter stating your motivations for applying and summarizing your qualifications for the position, your previous research experience as well as your experience in the area mentioned above (maximum 2 pages),
2. A description of how you would approach the project described above and a suggestion of a tentative research plan that fits your expertise (maximum 2 pages),
3. A curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
4. Copies of doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degree certificates,
5. Copies of the PhD thesis and relevant publications,
6. Contact information of three reference persons,
7. Other relevant documents you wish to be taken into account. 

Applications must be submitted via e-recruitment system Varbi no later than June 27, 2019.

Information
For further information, contact Dr. Shahab Fatemi, (shahab.fatemi@irf.se);

We look forward to receiving your application!