PhD Position in Experimental Physics with focus on Modeling Water Plumes of the Icy Moons

The Department of Physics at Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-physics/) invites applications for a PhD position in modeling water plumes (geysers) of the icy moons using advanced numerical simulations. Our department is a hub of pioneering research in space physics, condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics, and theoretical physics. Expected start date September 1, 2025, or as agreed. Application deadine is February 28, 2025.

Project description
Enceladus and Europa, two of the most fascinating moons in our solar system, are known for their water plumes — jets of water vapor and other materials erupting from beneath the icy surfaces of these moons. Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, has water plumes that spew from its south pole, sourced from a subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust. Europa, one of Jupiter's Galilean moons, has also shown evidence of plumes, likely caused by water escaping through cracks in its ice shell. These features strongly suggest the presence of vast liquid water oceans beneath the icy surfaces of these moons, positioning both moons as prime targets in the search for extraterrestrial life. Observations from NASA's Cassini and Galileo space missions reveal that these plumes interact with their moons’ plasma and electromagnetic environments, producing observable signatures that are not fully understood.

We seek a brilliant PhD candidate to investigate the interaction between the water plumes of the icy moons and their surrounding electromagnetic environment using our cutting-edge, high-performance plasma model, Amitis (www.amitiscode.com). This project is primarily based on computer simulations and focuses on exploring how the plumes shape the electromagnetic environment of the icy moons. By comparing model results with observational data, the research aims to deepen our understanding of icy moons, their dynamic systems, and their potential to harbor life.

The Swedish National Research Council finances the project.

Competence requirements
To be admitted for studies at the 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 enrollment. Fluency in English is mandatory. 

We are looking for a highly motivated, goal-oriented, and responsible candidate who is passionate about developing as an individual scientist as well as a space physics research team member. A strong interest in space physics and computer modeling is a prerequisite for you to thrive as a doctoral student in this project, and you must have an educational background that corresponds to the project's topic. To succeed as a PhD student, you must be creative and devoted to work. You must also have good interpersonal skills, be resourceful, and have a high degree of independence. Willingness to work in an intercultural, international, and diverse group is fundamental.

Candidates should have documented background in one or more of the following topics:
o   Space Physics
o   Plasma Physics
o   Astrophysics
o   Engineering Physics
o   Computational Physics
o   Electrodynamics
o   Statistical Physics
o   Fluid Dynamics

Previous experience or knowledge in the following areas is essential:
o   Data analysis 
o   Programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, and/or C/C++)
o   Proficiency in both written and spoken English.

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 on 1st of September 2025 or according to an agreement.

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

You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. The deadline for applications is the 28th of February, 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, Dr. Shahab Fatemi, shahab.fatemi@.umu.se  

We look forward to receiving your application!