Tenured Scientist position in Space Physics (2.2.1-304/16)

Tenured Scientist position in Space Physics

at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics, Uppsala, Sweden, for research related to scientific studies of solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling, with particular relevance for extreme space weather

Applications are invited for a tenured position (“tills vidare” in Swedish terminology) for studies of the magnetosphere of the Earth, and its interaction with the upper atmosphere, in response to extreme solar wind driving conditions such as violent coronal mass ejections. Of particular interest are energy and plasma exchange between the two major regimes of plasma in the near-Earth environment, and the related flow of very intense electric currents, both in the auroral and sub-auroral zone under extreme storm-time conditions. We aim to better understand the mechanisms leading to strong geomagnetically-induced currents (GICs) affecting man-made equipment on the ground.

Our research group is funded to carry out research into better understanding of extreme space weather events eventually allowing better prognoses of such events and their potential impacts. To this end we will carry out scientific studies (both case and statistical studies) utilising all sources of available solar wind and magnetospheric data, such as the missions at L1 (SOHO and ACE); multi-satellite missions in geospace such as Cluster, Themis and MMS in magnetospheric orbits; SWARM, DMSP, LANL and other spacecraft in lower orbits; and a variety of ground-based instrumentation, such as radars, magnetometers and all-sky auroral cameras. The final outcome of these studies will be to improve physics-based model efforts by other partners outside our project.

This position will be the prime effort of one out of four work-packages (WP3) within a wider project financed by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) for an initial period of five years, with the intention of a long-term commitment on the part of IRF and other partners for such research.

The successful candidate will be involved in extensive international collaboration. Analysis of multi-instrument and multi-source data is an important part of the work and it would be an advantage to have experience in combining advanced data analysis for the understanding of solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere interaction, in particular under extreme conditions. A thorough understanding of cause and effects of field-aligned current flow, with particular emphasis on their representation in magnetospheric models, will be required. Interest and experience in the international coordination of scientific activities will also be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid scientific background based on several years of experience in magnetospheric physics and a good understanding of the particular physics of importance for space weather.

The position is available at IRF’s office in Uppsala, located at the Ångström Laboratory in Uppsala, Sweden, starting as soon as the present position of the successful candidate allows.

Applications should include a CV (with description of previous post-doctoral and scientific positions and/or similar relevant research work), a short letter stating the applicant’s research interests and relevant experience plus names and contact information for two professional references and reprints of not more than four selected publications.

The project at IRF in Uppsala is coordinated by Professor Hermann Opgenoorth (opg@irfu.se, tel. office +46-18-471 5912, mobile +46-76-776 7673).

Trade union representatives:
Thomas Leyser, SACO-S, e-mail: thomas.leyser@irfu.se
Cecilia Norgren, ST, e-mail: cecilia.norgren@irfu.se

Closing date for applications is 18 December 2016.

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
Reference number: 2.2.1-304/16

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: tel. +46-980-790 00.

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Last Application Date: 2016-12-18
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Created by Annelie Klint Nilsson at

Last modified by Annelie Klint Nilsson at