Applicants are invited for a post-doctoral position in data analysis of the BepiColombo mission. The selected candidate will use particle data to map solar wind precipitation to the surface of Mercury. This is a unique opportunity made possible by the combination of data from two IRF-led different particle instruments onboard two elements of BepiColombo, Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter and Mercury Planetary Orbiter.

Job description

Tasks for this position include but are not limited to:

• Data analysis of the science data from IRF's two particle instruments on BepiColombo, one plasma sensor and one energetic neutral atom sensor.
• Use of a particle tracing model to inform the data analysis.
• Participation in international meetings as part of the larger Mercury magnetospheric community.
• Publication of unique and high-impact results in research articles.

The selected candidate will work in a successful research group, the Solar System Physics and Space Technology program (SSPT) at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF). IRF is a leading research institute in the field of planetary magnetospheres and solar wind interactions with a focus on particle measurements.

This position is placed in Kiruna, Sweden and will last for up to three years.

Qualifications

Candidates should have completed or expect to soon complete a PhD in a space-related field. We will primarily consider candidates with a degree obtained within the last three years. If you have an older degree and want to refer to special circumstances, such as parental leave, this should be clearly stated in your application.

Programming skills for scientific work are required. Experience in languages such as Python or C++ is a good merit.

Experience of working with space particle data, plasma or energetic neutral atom (ENA), and publishing in peer-reviewed journals is a strong merit. Experience with solar wind-magnetospheric interactions is also a beneficial merit.

The successful candidate should be able to work independently. We have a great deal of international contacts – an ability to collaborate well within the group and various international groups is essential, as is the ability to properly speak and write in English. You will be part of an active tight-knit group of engineers and scientists specializing in building space hardware for various spacecraft and conducting active research on solar system plasma physics. More information about the group’s activities can be found at IRF:s website.

What we can offer you

You will have access to a workplace with flexible working hour agreements; up to seven weeks of vacation per year, a well-developed health care with well-being activities, health benefits and a fully equiped gym inside the premises of IRF.

Equality, equal conditions 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.

Kiruna is a fantastic place to live in. Among other things we have Sweden’s most modern city center – see more on Kiruna municipalities webpage.

Applications should include CV, a personal cover letter (one page maximum) describing relevant experience, and contact information of three professional references.

We will be looking forward for your application!