The Institute of Space Physics (IRF) together with the Department of Meteorology at Stockholm University (MISU) is looking for you to study how spacecraft re-entry affects the atmosphere.
Description
The number of satellites is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Decommissioned satellites must sooner or later re-enter the atmosphere. When the material is burned, residues are left in the atmosphere, which is a complex system consisting of several layers. The height at which the material is deposited, its state and the size of the particles produced are still unknown. The project aims to estimate the impact of space activities on the Earth's atmosphere, enabling the space industry to make informed decisions for the responsible use of space. The subject area is interdisciplinary and the project will be carried out in close collaboration between IRF and MISU. The project is funded by the Swedish Space Research School (SSRS) - a national graduate school in space science and technology, jointly run by a consortium of Swedish universities and research institutes and funded by the Swedish National Space Board. SSRS aims to strengthen Sweden's long-term skills supply, provide coordinated research training and promote interdisciplinary collaboration in the Swedish space sector.
Tasks
To assess the effects of space debris inflow on the atmosphere and to determine what actions, if any, need to be taken due to these effects, high-quality observational data on re-entry over a wide range of object sizes using different instrument techniques are needed.
The tasks of the PhD student include (but are not limited to):
1) Collect and analyze re-entry data from, for example, radar systems (EISCAT, EISCAT_3D, Nordic Meteor Radar Cluster or SIMONe) and optical systems (ALIS_4D or Global Meteor Network). Plan and implement observation campaigns for known re-entries.
2) Integrate the empirical results from re-entry observations into atmospheric models (e.g. Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model - WACCM). Determine which properties of the re-entering material determine its final impact on the atmosphere.
Eligibility requirements
The PhD student will be admitted to the Department of Meteorology at Stockholm University (MISU) where the PhD degree will be given in Atmospheric Science and Oceanography. To be admitted to the doctoral program, the applicant must have basic and special qualifications. The eligibility must be fulfilled no later than upon admission to the program. You have basic eligibility if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 ECTS are at second-cycle level, or have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad. Specific eligibility requires at least 90 credits in one of the subjects physics, meteorology, oceanography or chemistry, at least 15 credits in mathematics and an independent project of at least 15 credits. Of this, at least 60 credits must be at advanced level. Furthermore, English language skills equivalent to English B in upper secondary school are required. Information about the doctoral program and eligibility requirements can be found in the General syllabus for doctoral studies in Atmospheric Science and Oceanography (SU FV 4.1.1-2572-20). For further information about postgraduate education at MISU, please contact Professor Thorsten Mauritsen (thorsten.mauritsen@misu.su.se).
Qualifications
The applicant is expected to have completed a relevant master's degree at the time of starting the employment and to have a thorough knowledge of physics. Meritorious but not required are:
- Knowledge of the atmosphere and ionosphere
- Knowledge of ablation processes
- Experience in instrumental data analysis
- Experience in physical modeling
- Experience in programming
Selection
Selection among the applicants who meet the eligibility requirements shall be made taking into account their ability to benefit from the training. The mere fact that an applicant is deemed to be able to have previous education or professional experience credited for the program may not give the applicant preference over other applicants in selection. Admission decisions are made in accordance with the current rules of delegation.
The assessment takes into account familiarity and skill in the subject, ability to express oneself orally and in writing in English, analytical ability, creativity, initiative and independence, and ability to cooperate. The assessment is based on the relevance of previous studies, grades on completed university courses (especially those at advanced level), quality and scope of the independent work, references, interviews and a written letter of intent.
Admission regulations for doctoral education at Stockholm University.
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 with well-being activities and health benefits.
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 opportunities 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 employment is for four years. The location and research time of the PhD candidate will be divided approximately equally between IRF headquarters in Kiruna and MISU in Stockholm by agreement with the selected candidate. Start in September 2026 or as agreed.
The application should include a CV and a short letter (max one page) describing research interest and relevant experience. Copies of academic qualifications and contact information for two references should also be attached.
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