Postdoctoral Researcher in Astrophysics and Space Science

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities. There are approximately 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of humanity.

Lund University welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles for all aspects of our operations.

Recently, it was discovered that enormous solar storms have occurred in the past, but very little is known about these events despite their potentially devastating effects on modern society.

In this project, we aim to push the boundaries of solar storm detection using indirect proxy data by measuring new high-resolution radionuclide data from ice cores, which will form the basis for reconstructions of solar activity and solar storms during the Holocene period. A better understanding of variations in the heliosphere and their impact on the galactic cosmic ray flux reaching Earth is crucial for progress in this field, as we currently rely on highly simplified approximations. The postdoctoral position will be part of the ERC project “Past Solar Storms: The links between solar storms and solar activity.” The position is based at the Department of Environmental and Geological Sciences (MGeo), Lund University (LU), Sweden.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral project will primarily focus on numerical modeling of the heliosphere during the Holocene period and assessing its impact on the transport of galactic cosmic radiation to Earth. More specifically, this will include:

• Numerical modeling of heliospheres and astrospheres using MHD models
• Utilizing MHD model results for heliospheres and astrospheres as data for 3D models for GCR transport
• Reconstructions of GCR intensities at Earth over long timescales
• Applying GCR intensity as a baseline to study past solar storm activity

The results will lead to improved reconstructions of solar activity during the Holocene period and a better assessment of the baseline for (galactic cosmic radiation-induced) radionuclide production rates (¹⁴C, ¹⁰Be, ³⁶Cl). This will help us better distinguish between solar and galactic cosmic radiation impacts on radionuclide data from ice cores and tree rings and lead to a more reliable assessment of past solar storms.

The position will be based at the Department of Environmental and Geological Sciences at Lund University. The department conducts research across a wide range of geoscientific disciplines with extensive collaboration with both national and international institutions. With this collective atmosphere, we maintain a positive and stimulating work environment.

The department has access to, and is surrounded by, excellent infrastructure and professional staff within several support functions. Lund University is a government authority, which means that as a postdoctoral researcher, you will receive benefits such as generous paid vacation and wellness benefits.

Eligibility

Employment as a postdoctoral researcher requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, in the relevant field, obtained no more than three years before the employment decision. Under special circumstances, the PhD may have been obtained earlier.

Additional requirements:

• A completed PhD in astrophysics and space science, or a related field relevant to the position.
• Good knowledge of quantitative methods and statistics, including programming.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.

We are looking for a creative person who thrives in a dynamic research environment. The project requires close collaboration with international researchers and the ability to work independently.

Assessment Criteria

This is a merit-based position primarily focused on research. The employment is intended as an initial step in the career, and the assessment of applicants will primarily be based on their scientific merits and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on scientific ability within the subject area.

When hiring a postdoctoral researcher, the following will be the basis for assessment:

• Good ability to develop and conduct high-quality research.
• Teaching ability.

Other Qualifications

• Experience in developing and maintaining large numerical models.
• Experience and knowledge of stochastic differential equations.
• Experience using MHD data as input for GCR transport models.
• Theoretical knowledge of particle transport in plasma.
• Documented very good knowledge of English.

Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant's experiences and competencies complement and strengthen ongoing research at the department and how they can contribute to its future development.

Conditions

The employment is fixed-term for 2 years with a desired start date of 2026-06-01 and is full-time. The employment is limited according to the agreement, “Agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher,” between the labor market parties dated 2022-02-01 (The Swedish Agency for Government Employers, OFR, and Saco-S).

Application Instructions

• A cover letter stating the reasons for applying for this position, describing why you are suitable for the position, and providing a general description of previous research and future research interests (maximum 2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae, including degrees and other completed courses, skills, and work experience in laboratory and data analysis, and a list of publications.
• Contact information for 2-3 references.
• A copy of the PhD diploma.

Welcome to apply!

At the Faculty of Science, research and education are conducted in biology, astronomy, physics, geoscience, chemistry, mathematics, and environmental science. The activities are conducted at eight departments located within the northern university area. The faculty has about 1,500 students, 360 doctoral students, and 700 employees.

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