Vacant job

The Institute of Space Physics (IRF) in Uppsala is seeking a PhD student in space physics for the research program Space Plasma Physics. The position is at IRF's Uppsala office located in the Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala. The PhD student will work in a top-class international research environment with excellent opportunities for collaboration and scientific exchange.

The PhD project will focus on investigating processes in space plasma using data from one or more of our spacecraft. The research includes analysis of in-situ plasma and field measurements, complemented by theoretical modeling and numerical simulations. The goal of the program is to understand the physics behind what is discovered through the measurements made by our space instruments. The measurements contribute to greater knowledge about space plasma around Earth and other planets, as well as about corresponding processes in areas where direct measurements are impossible or very difficult, such as near the Sun and other stars and in fusion plasma.

Our research group works with observations, data analysis, and creates physical models of processes in space plasma (IRF Space Plasma Physics). The group has extensive experience in developing and using scientific instruments to measure plasma density, density fluctuations, electric fields, and plasma temperature on spacecraft. These spacecraft include BepiColombo, MMS, Solar Orbiter, Swarm, Cassini, Cluster, Rosetta, JUICE, and Comet Interceptor.

Qualifications

The PhD student will be admitted to the doctoral program in physics with a focus on space and plasma physics at Uppsala University and must meet the university's admission requirements (Uppsala University doctoral education). More information about the doctoral program can be found at the Department of Physics and Astronomy and at the Faculty of Science and Technology.

What we can offer you

The PhD student will be employed for four years at the Institute of Space Physics. The start date is flexible but should be no later than the autumn of 2025.

Equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles in our workplace, which means that we consider equality aspects in our daily work and in all decision-making forums.

The application should include a CV and a personal letter (maximum one page) describing relevant experience. The application should also include contact information for two professional references.

The Institute of Space Physics, IRF, is a government agency conducting basic research and doctoral education in space physics, atmospheric physics, and space technology. Many of IRF's projects are conducted as large international projects in collaboration with other research institutes and space organizations. IRF has about one hundred employees and operates in Kiruna (the headquarters), Umeå, Uppsala, and Lund. More information about IRF.