Description
Solar storms are an important research area in solar physics and space weather. A solar storm is caused by energy released in a short time and built up through plasma physics processes. Solar storms occur in areas of the Sun with strong and complex magnetic fields. To develop forecasting models, it is important to identify mechanisms that lead to solar storms. For this, time series, on time scales of days and shorter, of the evolution of the solar magnetic field need to be studied. A solar storm can lead to many different phenomena such as solar flares, energetic particles and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The different phenomena can cause different types of effects on technological systems. Understanding and forecasting solar storms is therefore of great benefit to society.
Tasks
In this work, time series of solar magnetic fields in active areas will be analyzed. Mainly data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) will be used. Based on vector magnetograms and other calculated quantities, datasets will be created and different types of machine learning will be applied for solar flare predictions. The goal is to understand magnetic quantities relevant to solar flares and to develop forecast models that can be implemented in support of space weather services.
The postdoc will belong to the IRF's Solar, Space and Atmospheric Research (STAR) program, which includes scientists, engineers and developers from the various IRF offices. IRF is a member of the International Space Environment Service with responsibility for the Regional Warning Center Sweden. IRF is also part of ESA's space security program. The work will include international collaborations in existing networks as well as the development of new research collaborations.
Qualifications
We expect you to have knowledge of plasma physics, solar-terrestrial physics and space weather. Furthermore, experience in one or more fields of data analysis, machine learning, image processing and time series analysis is meritorious.
Candidates must have an approved PhD in physics, mathematics or equivalent. We prioritize candidates with a PhD degree completed within the last 3 years. If the degree is older, special circumstances may be invoked, e.g. parental leave. At the time of application, the candidate must not hold an ongoing postdoctoral position at IRF.
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, 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 gets their own responsibility.
Equality, equal conditions and diversity are fundamental principles in our workplace, which means that we take into account equality aspects in the daily work and in all decision-making forums.
Terms
The position is located in Lund and extends over 3 years. IRF applies individual salary setting. Access according to agreement.
The application should include a CV and a short letter (max one page) describing research interest and relevant experience. Copies of transcripts and contact information for two references should also be attached.
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The Swedish Institute of Space Physics, IRF, is a government agency that conducts basic 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 organizations. IRF has about a hundred employees and has operations in Kiruna (headquarters), Umeå, Uppsala and Lund. More information about IRF.