PhD position in Experimental Physics with focus on Space Physics

The Department of Physics at Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-physics/) conducts strong research in the areas of space physics, condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics and theoretical physics. We announce a PhD position for a project focusing on how heavy ions are transported in Earth’s magnetotail. Last day to apply is February 16, 2025.  Starting date is September 1, 2025, or by agreement.

Project description
The Earth is constantly losing parts of its atmosphere by its upper part being ionized and partially lost into space. To better understand this atmospheric escape, we must first get a better understanding of the plasma transport in Earth’s magnetotail.

The ‘Magnetospheric Space Plasma Group’ at Umeå University is therefore looking for a brilliant PhD candidate interested in performing research on the transport of heavy ions (He+, He++, O+) in Earth’s magnetotail, using observed data from the ESA Cluster and the NASA MMS multi-spacecraft missions.

Heavy ions can be transported very differently than H+ ions because of their larger gyroradii, and they are more likely to be unmagnetized when interacting with so called meso-scale phenomena, i.e., of the scale of the heavy ion gyroradius. In the project, we will investigate how heavy ions are affected by meso-scale phenomena in the magnetotail. In specific we will focus on two of the most important meso-scale phenomena in the tail: Fast Earthward and tailward flows as well as tail flapping waves. We will conduct both detailed event studies as well as large statistical studies.

The PhD project will be conducted in close collaboration with scientists from the University of Colorado (Boulder, USA), Southwest Research Institute (San Antonio, USA), University of New Hampshire (USA), Shandong University (Weihai, China), Austrian Academy of Science (Graz, Austria), and the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (Kiruna, Sweden).

The project is financed by the Swedish Research Council.

Competence requirements
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits. The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen). Prerequisites include 240 ECTS credits (högskolepoäng) of higher education studies, of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master’s level), or equivalent. In addition to these requirements, 120 ECTS need to be in physics. The requirements do not need to be fulfilled at the time of application but only at the enrollment. 

It is mandatory that the applicant must have very good skills in both spoken and written English.

Candidates should have documented background (e.g., completed courses) in one or more of the following topics: 
·        electrodynamics
·        statistical physics
·        fluid dynamics
·        plasma physics
·        space physics

Previous experience or knowledge in the following areas are also required:
·        Data analysis 
·        Programming (e.g., Matlab, Python, C, C++) 

Willingness to work in an inter-cultural, international, and diverse group, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team, are fundamental.

Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students. The employment starts in September 1, 2025 or according to agreement.

The application
The application should contain:
1.           A cover letter with summary of research interests, qualifications, and motivation relevant for the position (max. 1 page)
2.          Curriculum Vitae.
3.          Certified copies of relevant degree certificate(s) translated to English or Swedish. 
4.          Transcripts with grades, with English or Swedish translation. Note that for international (extra-EU) applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
5.          Copies of student theses and publications (if any)
6.          Names and contact information of at least one reference person.

You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. The deadline for applications is February 16, 2025. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. All documents should be uploaded in pdf format. 

More information
For further information contact the Principal Investigator of the project, Associate professor Maria Hamrin, maria.hamrin@space.umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!