From: Dr Jim Wild

JOB OPENING: Senior Research Associates (2 posts), Lancaster University, UK

————-Closing date for applications: 31 August 2009—————–

Applications are invited for two positions which have arisen in the Space Plasma Environment and Radio Science (SPEARS) group at Lancaster University. The posts are funded by the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council for three years with salary in the range ?30,594 – ?35,469 per annum.

Position 1: Investigating the influence of open crustal magnetic field regions on the martian ionosphere

This project will investigate the interaction between regions of strong crustal magnetic field near the surface of Mars (remnants of Mars’ original magnetic field) and the solar wind. In regions where the crustal field is oriented roughly vertically, the solar wind can gain access to the atmosphere and ionosphere, where it is thought to cause heating. This heating is likely to be responsible for bulges observed in the Martian ionosphere over regions of strong near-vertical crustal field by the Mars Express spacecraft and may result in upwelling ‘fountains’ of atmospheric material. This material canthen interact with the solar wind and be removed from the Martian atmosphere, contributing to the continuing erosion of Mars’ atmosphere. The successful candidate will exploit numerical modelling techniques previously used to study the near-Earth space environment by applying them to the very different atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetic field of Mars. A computer model will be developed to solve time-dependent equations of continuity, momentum and energy balance along cusp-like magnetic field lines for the densities, field-aligned fluxes and temperatures of a number of ion species and electrons common in the Martian ionosphere.

Applicants should hold (or shortly expect to be awarded) a Ph.D. in a relevant field. Previous experience in the above area will be an advantage. Interviews are planned for September 2009, and it is intended the successful candidates will be in-post by 1st October 2009 or shortly afterwards. For more details including job description, person specification and details of the application process, please visit http://www.personnel.lancs.ac.uk/vacancydets.aspx?jobid=AA44

Informal enquiries should be directed Dr. Jim Wild (j.wild@lancaster.ac.uk) +44 (0)1524 510545.

Position 2 : Acceleration and loss processes at relativistic energies

Measured fluxes in the Earth’s radiation belts flucuate rapidly over many orders of magnitude. Although the radiation belt response is known to be correlated with solar wind parameters, the complex interplay between the various source and loss processes within the belts is not understood in detail. To resolve many of the outstanding questions regarding radiation-belt physics, the NASA-funded Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) mission will begin in 2012. In order to support the objectives of this mission the successful candidate will work on study of the Earth’s radiation belts, source and loss processes within the belts, and the underlying physical mechanisms responsible. In particular, it is envisaged that the project will address how and why relativistic radiation belt particles areprecipitated into the upper atmosphere, and the resultant effects.

Applicants should hold (or shortly expect to be awarded) a Ph.D. in a relevant field. Previous experience in the above area will be an advantage. Interviews are planned for September 2009, and it is intended the successful candidates will be in-post by 1st October 2009 or shortly afterwards. For more details including job description, person specification and details of the application process, please visit http://www.personnel.lancs.ac.uk/vacancydets.aspx?jobid=AA45

Informal enquiries should be directed Dr. Mick Denton (m.denton@lancaster.ac.uk)
+44 (0)1524 510544.