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The Department of Physics at Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-physics/) invites applications for a PhD position in modeling of the aurora at Jupiter’s moon Ganymede, using advanced numerical simulations. Our department is a hub of pioneering research in space physics, condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics, and theoretical physics.
Expected start date September 1, 2025, or as agreed. Application deadline is February 28, 2025.
Project description
Ganymede is one of Jupiter’s moons, and it is the largest moon in the solar system. Ganymede has its own magnetic field, and its orbit around Jupiter is inside of Jupiter’s magnetosphere. This makes for a peculiar magnetic field configuration, and auroral light emissions have been observed from Ganymede’s atmosphere with the Hubble Space Telescope. Thus, the aurora at Ganymede is of particular interest in auroral research, which can advance the present day knowledge of both Ganymede and the aurora in general. Ganymede’s aurora is one of the topics to be studied by the Jupiter ICy moon Explorer (JUICE) mission that was launched in 2023, by the European Space Agency (ESA), and is now on its way to Jupiter and Ganymede.
We seek a brilliant PhD candidate to investigate the processes that accelerate the electrons that cause the auroral emissions at Ganymede. These studies will be conducted, using a Vlasov simulation model of the plasma on an auroral fieldline with input from global hybrid simulations, observations, and modeling of the neutral atmosphere. The PhD project will be carried out in cooperation with scientist at Umeå University, other research institutes in Sweden, as well as international scientific contacts in Austria, Belgium and the UK. We expect this research to have an impact on Ganymede science, auroral science in general, and to be useful in planning and interpreting the observations of the JUICE spacecraft.
The Swedish National Research Council finances the project.
Competence requirements
To be admitted for studies at the third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits. The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen).
Prerequisites include 240 ECTS credits (högskolepoäng) of higher education studies, of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master’s level), or equivalent. In addition to these requirements, 120 ECTS need to be in physics. The requirements do not need to be fulfilled at the time of application but only at enrollment.
It is mandatory that the applicant must have very good skills in both spoken and written English.
A strong interest in space physics and computer modeling is a prerequisite for you to thrive as a doctoral student in this project, and you must have an educational background that corresponds to the project’s topic.
To succeed as a PhD student, you must be creative and devoted to work. You must also have good interpersonal skills, be resourceful, and have a high degree of independence.
Candidates should have documented background in one or more of the following topics:
– Space Physics
– Plasma Physics
– Astrophysics
– Engineering Physics
– Computational Physics
– Electrodynamics
– Statistical Physics
– Fluid Dynamics
Previous experience or knowledge in the following areas is essential:
o Data analysis
o Programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, Fortran, and/or C/C++)
Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students. The employment starts on 1st of September 2025 or according to an agreement.
The application
The application should contain:
1. A cover letter with a summary of research interests and motivation relevant to the position (max. 2 pages)
2. Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages).
3. Certified copies of relevant degree certificate(s) translated into English or Swedish.
4. Transcripts with grades, with English or Swedish translation. Note that for international (extra-EU) applicants the grading system should be briefly explained.
5. Copies of student theses and publications (if any)
6. Names and contact information of at least two reference persons.
You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. The deadline for applications is the 28th of February, 2025. Applications can be written in English (preferred) or Swedish. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. All documents should be uploaded in PDF format.
More information
For further information contact the Principal Investigator of the project, Dr. Herbert Gunell, herbert.gunell@.umu.se
We look forward to receiving your application!
