Staff Scientist at the Department of Physics

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

The societal transformation and significant green investments we see in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, it is about conducting research on – and within – a transforming society. It is also about delivering education for regions that need to expand quickly and sustainably. This is simply where the future is created.

Are you interested in learning more? Read more here (https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/om-universitetet-som-arbetsplats/).

About the Position

At the Department of Physics, strong and expanding research is conducted in several different areas, such as organic electronics, nanotechnology, photonics, space physics, and theoretical physics. The department is part of KBC, the Chemical-Biological Center 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 announces a position as a staff scientist. The position is full-time for 7 months, starting June 1, 2025, or as soon as possible.

Description and Responsibilities

The position involves supporting the scientific activities within the research group for solar system physics. The main tasks include analyzing measurement data from the planet Mars and from comets. Additionally, it includes conducting various types of computer simulations of these objects and participating in the dissemination of results. Furthermore, co-supervision and management of certain projects are expected.

The position also includes leading the organizing committee for the conference, European Space Weather Week, which will be held in Umeå in October 2025.

Qualifications

As an applicant, you must have a PhD in experimental space physics, plasma physics, or equivalent. You must have a broad understanding and experience of solar wind interactions with various objects in the solar system, such as variations in magnetic fields, as well as ion movements in different areas around planets, such as polar caps and magnetospheric tails. Knowledge of auroral physics is advantageous.

Furthermore, you must be familiar with relevant techniques for analyzing data from spacecraft-based instruments, such as ion and electron spectrometers, magnetometers, and Langmuir probes. You should also be able to use and interpret results from hybrid-type plasma simulations as well as test particle simulations and Vlasov and Particle in Cell simulations. Skills in programming with either Python or Matlab are also required.

Experience in leading and organizing conferences with several hundred participants is also a requirement. Since the project only spans seven months, we expect a quick start.

Application

The application should include:

1. A cover letter with a brief description of your qualifications, research interests, and motivation for applying (max 2 pages).
2. CV with a publication list.
3. Copies of degree certificates translated into English or Swedish.
4. A copy of the doctoral thesis.
5. Names and contact information for two referees.

Information

For more information, contact Herbert Gunell at herbert.gunell@umu.se (mailto:herbert.gunell@umu.se).

Applications should be made via the e-recruitment system Varbi and must be submitted by April 16, 2025.

Welcome with your application!

Umeå University aims to provide an equal and equitable environment where open conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.

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