by
2025-05-23
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The Department of Physics at Umeå University invites applications for three PhD positions in space physics. These positions involve advanced numerical simulations and analysis of spacecraft data. The positions are full-time, 100% funded for four years and lead to a doctoral degree in Computational Physics. The expected start date is September 1, 2025, or as agreed. The application deadline is May 23, 2025.
Project description
Here is a brief description of the three PhD projects:
Position 1) Plasma interaction with Mercury’s magnetosphere: Mercury’s small, internally generated magnetosphere is uniquely exposed to intense solar wind and extreme space weather due to its proximity to the Sun. This PhD project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex interaction between the solar wind and Mercury during extreme events (e.g., Coronal Mass Ejections) using Amitis, a state-of-the-art hybrid-kinetic plasma model (www.amitiscode.com). By comparing model results with NASA’s MESSENGER and ESA’s/JAXA’s BepiColombo observations, the research aims to deepen our understanding of Mercury’s magnetosphere-interior coupling and the response of the coupled system to extreme events. The project leader is Associate Professor Shahab Fatemi (shahab.fatemi@umu.se), and the project includes collaboration with international partners, including INAF (Italy) and the University of Michigan (USA).
Position 2) Ganymede’s aurora: Ganymede is one of Jupiter’s moons, and it is the largest moon in the solar system. Ganymede has its own magnetic field, and its orbit around Jupiter is inside of Jupiter’s magnetosphere. Auroral light emissions have been observed from Ganymede’s atmosphere with the Hubble Space Telescope. The aurora at Ganymede is of particular interest in auroral research, which can advance the present day knowledge of both Ganymede and the aurora in general. Ganymede’s aurora is one of the topics to be studied by the Jupiter ICy moon Explorer (JUICE) mission that was launched in 2023, by the European Space Agency (ESA), and is now on its way to Jupiter and Ganymede. The project leader is Associate Professor Herbert Gunell (herbert.gunell@umu.se), and the project includes cooperation with international partners, including BIRA-IASB (Belgium), IWF (Austria), and Lancaster University (UK).
Position 3) Water plumes of the icy moons: Enceladus and Europa, moons of Saturn and Jupiter, respectively, host water plumes (geysers) erupting from subsurface oceans beneath their icy crusts, key indicators in the search for extraterrestrial life. These plumes interact with the moons’ plasma and electromagnetic environments, producing complex, yet not fully understood, signatures observed by NASA’s Cassini and Galileo missions and the Hubble Space Telescope. This project uses computer simulations to study plume-plasma interactions and compares results with spacecraft data. The project leader is Associate Professor Shahab Fatemi (shahab.fatemi@umu.se), and the project includes collaboration with international partners, including the University of Bern (Switzerland) and the University of California at Los Angeles (USA).
We seek three brilliant PhD candidates who are passionate about using computer simulations and performing data analysis of various spacecraft observations. Despite their modeling nature, little code development and programming is expected since our numerical models and tools have been developed and have a long, successful background. However, analyzing simulation results and spacecraft observations requires computer knowledge and programming.
Competence requirements
To be admitted for studies at the third-cycle level, you must have completed a second-cycle level degree or course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits. The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen). Prerequisites include 240 ECTS credits (högskolepoäng) of higher education studies, of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master’s level) or equivalent. In addition to these requirements, 120 ECTS need to be in physics. The requirements need not be fulfilled at the time of application but only at enrollment. Fluency in English is mandatory.
We are looking for a highly motivated, goal-oriented, and responsible candidate who is passionate about developing as an individual scientist and a space physics research team member. A strong interest in theoretical space plasma physics and computer modeling is a prerequisite for you to thrive as a doctoral student in this project, and you must have an educational background that corresponds to the project's topic (for example in one or more of the topics: space physics, plasma physics, astrophysics, engineering physics, computational physics, electrodynamics, statistical physics, and fluid dynamics). To succeed as a PhD student, you must be creative and devoted to work. You must also have good interpersonal skills, be resourceful, and have high independence. Willingness to work in an intercultural, international, and diverse group is fundamental.
Previous experience or knowledge in the following areas is required:
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 employment starts on September 1, 2025, or according to agreement.
The application
The application should contain:
1. A cover letter (max. two pages) summarizing your research interests and motivation relevant to the positions. Please rank the priority of the three positions at the end of your letter.
2. Curriculum Vitae (max. two pages).
3. Certified copies of relevant degree certificate(s) translated into English or Swedish.
4. Transcripts with grades, with an English or Swedish translation. Note that the grading system should be explained briefly for international (extra-EU) applicants.
5. Copies of student theses and publications (if any)
6. Names and contact information of at least two reference persons.
You should apply via our e-recruitment system, Varbi. The deadline for applications is May 23, 2025.
Log in and apply using the button at the bottom of the page. All documents should be uploaded in PDF format.
More information
For further information, contact the projects' Principal Investigators, Associate Professors Herbert Gunell (herbert.gunell@umu.se) and Shahab Fatemi (shahab.fatemi@umu.se).
We look forward to receiving your application!
Admission
2025-09-01 or by agreement
Application deadline
2025-05-23
Registration number
AN 2.2.1-586-25
Contact
Shahab Fatemi
+46907866392
Herbert Gunell
+46907865049
Union representative
SACO
090-7865365
SEKO
090-7865296
ST
090-7865431