Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

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At the Department of Physics, strong and expanding research is conducted in several different research subjects, e.g. organic electronics, nanotechnology, photonics, space physics and theoretical physics. The department is part of the Chemical Biological Centre at Umeå University. We have a strong focus on interdisciplinary research and excellent access to modern instrumentation and infrastructure for analysis.

The Department of Physics is looking for a Senior Research Engineer in Space Physics. The position is for 40% for one year. Start date January 15, 2021 or according to agreement. The project will be conducted at Umeå University and the application deadline is December 11, 2020.

Project description and working tasks
The aim of the project is 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, complex surface weathering, and generation of a neutral exosphere. The aim of this project is to provide a comprehensive understanding on the dynamics of the particles in Ganymede’s magnetosphere using simulations and to make estimations and provide constraints for observations by the Particle Environment Package (PEP) onboard ESA’s JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) mission.

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

Qualifications
To qualify for the position, you should have a PhD degree, or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent, in space plasma physics, magnetospheric physics 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. The candidate is 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++, Python, IDL, or Matlab) are required. Previous experience of model development as well as a deep understanding of plasma interactions with planetary moons, planetary surfaces and exospheres, 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. The candidate 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 (max. 2 pages),
2. A curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
3. Copies of doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degree certificates,
4. A copy of the PhD thesis
5. Contact information of two reference persons.

The application must be written in English or Swedish. Applications must be submitted via e-recruitment system Varbi no later than December 11, 2020.

Information
For further information, contact Dr. Shahab Fatemi, shahab.fatemi@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Part-time
First day of employment January 15, 2021 or according to agreement.
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 40%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-1588-20
Contact
  • Shahab Fatemi, 0980-79106
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 16.Nov.2020
Last application date 11.Dec.2020 11:59 PM CET

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