Postdoctoral or Guest Scientist positions in space physics (ref nr: 2.2.1-137/20)

Swedish Institute of Space Physics in Uppsala invited applications for positions in the field of space plasma physics. The topics of the respective positions are the following:

  • Investigation of electron dynamics in a cometary ionosphere. The work involves analysis of Rosetta data at comet 67P.
  • Particle energization by collisionless shocks at electron scales. The work involves analysis of data from Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission at the Earth’s bow shock.

Experience in the analysis of space plasma data is expected, and experience in relevant theoretical modelling is an advantage.

Our team performs observations, data analysis and modelling of space plasma processes (www.space.irfu.se). The team has decades of experience in developing and operating instruments to measure electric fields, plasma temperature, density and density fluctuations for spacecraft missions (e.g. Rosetta, MMS, Cluster, Solar Orbiter, Swarm, Cassini).

The positions are available at the Uppsala office of IRF, located at the Ångström Laboratory in Uppsala, Sweden, for 2 years. The positions are funded by grants from the Swedish National Space Agency.

The postdoc candidates should have completed a PhD during 2017 or later. However, if the candidate has an older degree and wants to refer to special circumstances, such as parental leave, this should be clearly stated.

Candidates planning to obtain their PhD degree no later than September 2020 can also apply. Guest scientist candidates should have a PhD degree.

The candidate should not currently be an active researcher at IRF in Uppsala or in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University. Candidates should be able to start the work during autumn 2020.

Applications should include a CV, a short letter stating research interests and relevant experience, copies of undergraduate and PhD degree certificates (or a letter from the supervisor stating when the PhD degree is expected), 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 of not more than 4 selected publications.

Closing date for applications is 31 May 2020.

For further information please contact:
Dr. Anders Eriksson, anders.eriksson@irfu.se
Assoc. Prof. Yuri Khotyaintsev, yuri@irfu.se

Trade union representatives:
Thomas Leyser, SACO-S, thomas.leyser@irfu.se
Jan Karlsson, ST, jan.karlsson@irfu.se

Applications should be sent, preferably by email, to: registrator@irf.se

Or by post to:

Swedish Institute of Space Physics,
Registrar,
Box 812,
SE-981 28 Kiruna, Sweden

Please quote reference number: 2.2.1-137/20

If your application is sent by e-mail you should get a confirmation that we have received it.
If you do not get the confirmation within three days, please contact the registrar: +46 980-790 00.


Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) is a governmental research institute that conducts postgraduate education and research 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 offices in Kiruna (headquarters), Umeå, Uppsala and Lund. For more information about IRF: www.irf.se

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