Postdoctoral Position in Space Physics – Work with data from the Rosetta Ion Composition Analyzer (2.2.1-81/19)

The Solar System Physics and Space Technology research programme at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics in Kiruna invites applications for a Postdoctoral position in Space Physics, related to the ESA Rosetta mission to comet 67P Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Rosetta is the first mission to follow a comet for an extended time, from low activity far from the sun to high activity around perihelion.

The Rosetta mission is now in an intensive data analysis phase, following the ending of the mission in September 2016. Applications are invited both for a 2-year post-doc position and for shorter periods for guest scientists.

The advertised position is a research position for studies of the cometary plasma environment and its interaction with the solar wind primarily using ion data from the Ion Composition Analyzer (ICA) on board Rosetta but also using data from the other instruments that form the Rosetta Plasma Consortium (RPC). Work using numerical models of different aspects of the comet plasma environment is also part of the data analysis effort.

Previous experience of working with plasma and/or particle data from space missions is required. Relevant experience with planetary – solar wind interaction studies is a merit. Work with simulations and numerical models is also a merit.

Post-doc candidates should have completed a PhD during 2016 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 during the year can also apply, though we will give preference to those obtaining their degree not later than June 2019. The candidate should not currently be an active researcher at IRF.

The position, placed in Kiruna, is funded by the Swedish Research Council and is at most until the end of 2020.

For further information please contact:
Dr. Hans Nilsson, hans.nilsson@irf.se, +46-980-79 127

Trade union representative:
Uwe Raffalski, SACO-S, uwe.raffalski@irf.se, +46-980- 790 21
Ashkan Ekhtiari, ST, ashkan@irf.se, +46-980- 790 78

Closing date for applications is 29 March 2019

Applications should include a CV, a short letter (one page) stating research interests and relevant experience, copies of academic transcripts and contact information for two professional references. Applications should be submitted, preferably by email, to:

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

or by email to: registrator@irf.se

Closing date: 29 March 2019.

Please quote reference number: 2.2.1-81/19
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.
Last Application Date: 2019-03-29

Created by Annelie Klint Nilsson at

Last modified by Annelie Klint Nilsson at