The Institute of Space Physics (IRF) is looking for a motivated person to join the Solar System Physics and Space Technology (SSPT) research program in Kiruna to study low-energy ions around comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Description

Low-energy ions in the upper parts of the atmospheres of planets and moons are difficult to measure directly with particle instruments. Yet they play an important role. The Rosetta spacecraft's expedition to comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko gave us the opportunity to observe these low-energy ions. The spacecraft was often negatively electrically charged and attracted positively charged ions that we could measure.

Tasks

The goal of the research project is to understand how low-energy ions, created by ionization in the upper parts of the comet's atmosphere, are decoupled from the surrounding neutral gas and accelerated to escape velocity. The motion of such low-energy ions is strongly influenced by the spacecraft's immediate environment, which we need to compensate for. The project combines analysis of measurements made by the Rosetta spacecraft around comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko with simulations of particle trajectories around an electrically charged spacecraft. The simulations are done with the SPIS software (Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Software).

Qualifications

The PhD student will be admitted to the Department of Physics at Umeå University and must therefore meet the university's requirements. To be admitted to doctoral education, the applicant must have basic eligibility through a second-cycle degree, or completed courses of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at second-cycle level, or equivalent foreign education, or equivalent qualifications.

To meet the requirement for special eligibility for admission, the applicant must have approved courses in the subject area of physics of at least 120 higher education credits. The requirements do not need to be fulfilled at the time of application but only at admission.

Advantageous but not required are:

• Good knowledge of the Python programming language
• Experience in analyzing satellite data
• Experience in simulations with SPIS (or similar software)

What we can offer you

We can offer you a workplace with flexible working hours, up to seven weeks of vacation per year, well-developed wellness program with well-being activities, health benefits and gym at the workplace.

What we are most proud to be able to offer you are varied and interesting tasks, nice colleagues and a creative and free workplace where everyone is given their own responsibility.

Equality, equal conditions and diversity are fundamental principles in our workplace, which means that we take into account gender equality aspects in the daily work and in all decision-making forums.

Terms and conditions

The position is for four years and located at IRF's head office in Kiruna. The IRF applies an individual salary scale. Access according to agreement.

Applications should include a CV and a short letter (maximum one page) describing research interests and relevant experience. Copies of academic qualifications and contact information for two references should also be attached.

To staffing and recruitment companies and to you as a seller; we kindly but firmly refrain from direct contact with staffing and recruitment companies and sellers of additional job advertisements.