The Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the Solar System Physics and Space Technology (SSPT) program in Kiruna, Sweden to investigate a new class of the Mars–solar wind interaction: degenerate induced magnetospheres.

The Ph.D. project uniquely combines numerical simulations and data analysis from space instruments. The datasets available for analysis include particle and magnetic field data from missions to Mars, ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s MAVEN as well as ESA’s mission to Venus, Venus Express. 

The computer modeling is performed on the Kebnekaise cluster at the High Performance Computing Center North (HPC2N) at Umeå University.

The PhD student will be affiliated to the Department of Physics at Umeå University and must therefore fulfil the university requirements. Information about the research education is available at https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-physics/. Information about research at IRF can be found at https://www.irf.se.

Candidates are expected to have completed their MSc degree or equivalent by the time of employment. Merits include, though are not required:

• Proficiency in the Python programming language
• Strong interest in planetary science and Mars
• Completed courses in plasma physics
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The position is for four years and is based at the head office of the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF), located in Kiruna, Sweden.

The application should include:

• CV
• short (one-page) letter stating research interests and relevant experience
• copies of academic transcripts
• contact information for two professional references.