Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
The Department of Physics at Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-physics/) conducts strong research in the areas of space physics, condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics and theoretical physics.
The Department of Physics is offering a PhD position a project on how ionospheric currents drive space weather effects in Sweden and impact the ground and power infrastructure.
Starting date is September 14, 2026, or by agreement. The deadline to submit application is May 20, 2026.
Project description
Space weather hazards can arise from rapidly varying ionospheric currents, which produce strong variations in the ground magnetic field (dB/dt spikes). These variations induce geoelectric fields and telluric currents in the ground. When such telluric currents enter the power grid, they are referred to as geomagnetically induced currents (GICs). GICs can cause detrimental power blackouts, posing a significant risk to our increasingly electrified society.
Despite the critical need to improve forecasting and mitigation of space weather hazards, many important aspects remain poorly understood. In particular, the coupled ionosphere–ground system is a key system, with its spatiotemporally varying ionospheric currents and corresponding ground responses, but it is far from fully characterized. Importantly, it is crucial to note that this system is inherently spatiotemporal in nature: it is driven by three-dimensional ionospheric currents that evolve rapidly in time, so the ground response must also vary in space and time.
In this project we will model the ionosphere-ground system with a unique time-domain model which is developed in the group for ’Solar-Terrestrial Physics and Space Weather’ at the Department of Physics, Umeå University. We will study how currents in the ionosphere cause rapid changes in the ground-level magnetic field and generate geoelectric fields and telluric currents, and how these in turn can cause GICs that affect power distribution lines. We will also develop improved methods for estimating the ionospheric currents from ground-based measurements.
The ’Solar-Terrestrial Physics and Space Weather Group’ at Umeå University is therefore looking for a brilliant and highly motivated PhD student to join our team to advance the understanding of how ionospheric currents affect the ground and infrastructure.
The project is financed by the Swedish Space Research School and the Department of Physics.
Qualifications To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which 60 are at second-cycle level (Master’s level), or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.
In addition to these requirements, 120 ECTS need to be within the physics subject area. The requirements do not need to be fulfilled at the time of application but only at the enrolment.
Candidates should have documented background in the following areas:
Electrodynamics
Data analysis for scientific applications
Programming (e.g., Matlab, Python, C, C++) for scientific applications
Previous experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas are also a merit:
Space physics
Plasma physics
Computational physics
Applied mathematics and modelling
Numerical methods for partial differential equations
Computational science or Scientific Computing
Scientific Visualization
Good written and spoken communication skills in English is mandatory.
The applicant should be motivated, dedicated to research, and with an ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
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 application The application should contain:
1. A cover letter with summary of research interests and motivation (max. 1 page). 2. Curriculum Vitae. 3. Certified copies of relevant degree certificate(s) translated to English or Swedish. 4. Transcripts with grades, with English or Swedish translation. Note that for international applicants the grading system should be explained in brief. 5. Copies of student theses and publications (if any). 6. Names and contact information of at least one reference person.
More information For further information contact the Principal Investigator of the project, Associate professor Maria Hamrin, maria.hamrin@space.umu.se
You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. The deadline for applications is Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. All documents should be uploaded in pdf format.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
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