Guest researcher in Space Physics

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join the Space Plasma Physics research program as a guest researcher. The position is based at the Uppsala office of the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF), located at Ångström Laboratory in Uppsala, Sweden. The successful candidate will work in a world-class international research environment with excellent opportunities for collaboration and scientific exchange.

The research project focuses on investigating the connection between magnetotail dynamics and geomagnetically induced currents. The work will make use of data from magnetotail missions such as MMS, field-aligned current observations by Swarm, and ground-based data from IMAGE to identify the connections between dynamic tail processes (such as bursty bulk flows and substorms) and ground disturbances during extreme driving conditions. Specifically, the link to geoelectric fields will be investigated, which is responsible for setting up large unwanted currents in long ground-based conductive infrastructures such as power grids that can result in disruptions and damage. These will be put into context on how much risk is posed to the Swedish power grid.

Our team specialises in observations, data analysis, and modeling of space plasma processes (IRF Space Plasma Physics). The group has decades of experience developing and operating instruments for spacecraft missions to measure electric fields, plasma temperature, density, and density fluctuations. These missions include BepiColombo, MMS, Solar Orbiter, Swarm, Cassini, Cluster, Rosetta, JUICE, and Comet Interceptor. IRF also has decades of expertise in conducting ground-based observations, including geomagnetic measurements and recordings with all-sky cameras, ionosondes, and radar (e.g., EISCAT).

Qualifications

The candidate must have a PhD in space physics or a related field.

The applicant must have experience in analysing data from space physics missions as well as ground magnetometers, as well as fluency in at least one programming language (e.g., MATLAB, Python).

Expertise in working with data from Swarm and MMS will be a major advantage, as well as knowledge of geomagnetically induced currents.

What we can offer you

The position is fully funded for a total duration of one year. The start date is flexible but should be no later than the second half of 2025. 

Equality, equal conditions, and diversity are fundamental principles in our workplace, and we work in an equality-integrated way, which means that we consider equality and inclusivity aspects in our daily work and in all decision-making forums.

The application should include a CV, a personal letter (maximum one page) describing research interests and relevant experience, copies of undergraduate and PhD degree certificates, description and proof of previous postdoctoral positions and/or similar relevant research work (if available), names and contact information for two professional references and reprints or open-access links of not more than 4 selected publications.

Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) is a governmental research institute that conducts research and postgraduate education in space physics, atmospheric physics, and space technology. Many of IRF’s projects are run as large international projects in collaboration with other research institutes and space agencies. IRF has about one hundred employees and has offices in Kiruna (headquarters), Umeå, Uppsala, and Lund. For more information about IRF: www.irf.se