The Solar and Space Physics research group at Northumbria University (Newcastle upon Tyne, UK) invites applications for a 36-month postdoctoral research position in the area of Solar Magnetohydrodynamics. The successful candidate will conduct research relevant to understanding how stored energy can be released from magnetised plasma via time-dependent, wave-generating magnetic reconnection. This position is funded by a research project grant from STFC (ST/X001008/1) and the project focuses on a comprehensive investigation into the fundamental physics of Oscillatory Reconnection (a time-dependent, wave-generating reconnection mechanism). The exact project title is “The fundamental physics of time-dependent magnetic reconnection with a specific interest in the applicability to Quasi-Periodic Pulsations”. You will work primarily with Professor James McLaughlin (PI of grant).

You will initiate, develop and conduct high-quality research in support of the project. The project will require an understanding of MHD wave theory, magnetic reconnection and computational MHD (particular 3D numerical modelling using High Performance Computing). The ideal candidate will have a good knowledge of MHD and experience of computational MHD simulations. Experience in magnetic reconnection and/or solar physics observations would also be beneficial.

For informal enquiries about this post please contact Professor James McLaughlin on james.a.mclaughlin@northumbria.ac.uk.

The deadline is Tuesday 11th April 2023. Please submit your applications at https://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/#en/sites/CX_1001/job/758

The successful candidate will join the Solar and Space Physics research group. Further details about the research group can be found here: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/academic-departments/mathematics-physics-and-electrical-engineering/research/solar-and-space-physics/… continue to the full article

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Job Advertisement: Closing Date 31st March 2023

We are inviting applications for three jobs at Northumbria University.

We are hiring two Postdoctoral Research Assistants or Engineers (both kinds of career track / role supported) and a project manager for our NSIP project to develop a miniaturised free space optical communication system for Low Earth Orbit and the CubeSat platform to carry it. This project is funded by the UK Space Agency to deliver two CubeSats ready for launch by 2025 and the post holders will play a central role in the collaboration to make that happen. The project is a partnership between Northumbria and Durham Universities with industrial partners e2E group and Smart Sentry SMS as well as significant investment and involvement from Lockheed Martin UK Space.

The roles are available from today with the current contract with UKSA ending in March 2025, however we expect the project to continue into 2026 as launch and operations are expected beyond 2025 and so these roles are possible to extend beyond 2025 subject to success in this phase and future funding.

Please find the job descriptions here:

Project manager:
https://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/#en/sites/CX_1001/job/720/

FSO laser systems:
https://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/#en/sites/CX_1001/job/718/

CubeSat development:
https://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/#en/sites/CX_1001/job/719/

Please contact eamon.scullion@northumbria.ac.uk for informal enquiries about the roles.… continue to the full article

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We are advertising a postdoc position to work in the Space & Astrophysical Plasmas group at Queen Mary University of London with Prof D. Burgess on a project exploring the controlling role that turbulence plays in the inner heliosphere using plasma simulations and data analysis. The post is funded by STFC as part of a Consolidated Grant. The project will use kinetic plasma simulations to study how turbulence can control the key plasma processes of particle energization, shock dynamics, and turbulence-driven reconnection. The simulations will be motivated and tested against results from Parker Solar Probe (PSP), Solar Orbiter and Magnetospheric Multiscale MMS. The project will build on collaborations within the Space Plasma group with Dr Christopher Chen and Dr Heli Hietala, and there will be opportunities for collaborations across the data/simulation boundary.

The Space & Astrophysical Plasmas group at QMUL has a strong track record, going back to the pioneering work of Vincenzo Ferraro in the 1950s, and is part of the Astronomy Unit, which also hosts other leading research groups in Cosmology & Relativity and Extrasolar Planets & Planet Formation, with its members taking key roles in major international projects. The Astronomy Unit is part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, within the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences. In the UK’s most recent national research assessment (2021 REF), 98% of the Department’s research was rated internationally excellent and world leading (3*/4*). The School runs comprehensive undergraduate and masters taught programmes in Physics and Astrophysics, maintains a successful PhD research training programme, and undertakes an extensive range of outreach activities.

For more information about these positions and to apply, please see: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/jobs/vacancies/items/8056.html

The deadline for applications is 24th March 2023 (note this is an extension to current date on QMUL website).

For informal enquiries please contact Prof David Burgess (D.Burgess@qmul.ac.uk).… continue to the full article

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Applications are invited for a 12-month postdoctoral research position in the area of Solar Physics. The successful candidate will conduct research relevant to STFC’s research remit, and that research will be conducted within the Solar and Space Physics research group at Northumbria University. Further details about the research group can be found here: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/academic-departments/mathematics-physics-and-electrical-engineering/research/solar-and-space-physics/

This position is funded by a research project grant from STFC (ST/T000384/1) and the project focuses on an investigation into the fundamental physics of Oscillatory Reconnection (a time-dependent, wave-generating reconnection mechanism). You will work primarily with Professor James McLaughlin (PI of the grant). You will initiate, develop and conduct high-quality research in support of the project. The project will require an understanding of MHD wave theory, magnetic reconnection and computational MHD (particular 3D numerical modelling using High Performance Computing). The ideal candidate will have a good knowledge of MHD and experience of computational MHD simulations. Experience in magnetic reconnection would also be beneficial.

We also welcome applications that wish to conduct research within other areas of STFC’s research remit, since this research grant also has that flexibility built into it. Given the length of the contract, we will also consider remote working, but only in exceptional circumstances.

For informal enquiries about this post, please contact Professor James McLaughlin on james.a.mclaughlin@northumbria.ac.uk. The job advert itself can be found here = https://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/#en/sites/CX_1001/job/585

Deadline is Sunday 12th March 2023.… continue to the full article

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Applications are invited for a 3 year Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Solar Physics and Space Weather Research Group at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. The successful applicant will be primarily involved in a new EU Horizon 2020 Project, ARCAFF, that will combine over 26 years worth of solar observations (millions of images) with state-of-the-art deep learning techniques to enhance active region classifications and flare forecasts. The successful candidate will collaborate with researchers locally and internationally on the preparation of data for and the development and training of deep learning models for flare forecasting.

Check out https://dias.ie/arcaff-postdoc for more details on how to apply!

At DIAS we are committed to building an inclusive scientific community, distinguished by scientific excellence, gender balance, and diversity.… continue to the full article

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Closing date: 28 February 2023

The University of St Andrews is seeking to enhance its teaching and research strengths in Solar and Magnetospheric Theory by appointing to Lecturer / Senior Lecturer / Reader level, within our Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group (SMTG), in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. The successful candidate will be a scholar with a growing international research reputation and commitment to delivering high quality teaching.

We welcome applications from candidates who hold a PhD in Applied Mathematics or a cognate discipline, and have a track record of high quality research and publications in Solar or Magnetospheric Theory, or a related area compatible with the group’s research interests.

For applicants to be considered for a Senior Lecturer or Reader level appointment, we would expect in addition that they can demonstrate a suitable combination of success in attracting external funding, research leadership at national and international level, and experience with successfully carrying out administrative duties.

Although all areas of solar and magnetospheric theory will be considered, we are particularly interested in applications that would enhance or complement the research group’s current areas of expertise, for example in the theory of “space weather”.

Candidates should also have teaching experience at undergraduate or postgraduate level, have experience applying relevant analytical skills and teaching techniques to a wide range of learners, and have good communication skills and share our desire to educate and inform students. Experience in curriculum development in applied mathematics or in similar disciplines will be an advantage, as will demonstrable ability to work in a team.

The SMTG conducts cutting-edge research on a wide variety of solar and magnetospheric phenomena, ranging from magnetic flux emergence through the solar surface, over the dynamic interaction between the coronal plasma and magnetic field leading to coronal heating and solar activity processes, to the effect these activity processes have on the magnetosphere of the Earth (“space weather”). Many of our theoretical models of solar and magnetospheric plasma systems are data-driven, but we are also interested in fundamental plasma processes underpinning these models, for example MHD and kinetic plasma equilibria, MHD waves and instabilities, magnetic reconnection, magnetic topology and helicity, and particle acceleration. Due to the highly nonlinear nature of the mathematical problems we study, a large part of our research work is based on computational methods, and we are particularly interested in applications that would complement and enhance our expertise in numerical and computational methods relevant for the research area of our group.

As a research and teaching position, the successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of teaching modules in applied mathematics that may be at a range of levels from first year undergraduate to specialised Honours level modules in Applied Mathematics. They will also supervise final-year undergraduate projects, and will have the opportunity to supervise PhD students.

For informal enquiries, we encourage those considering applying to contact either the Head of the Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group, Professor Thomas Neukirch (tn3@st-andrews.ac.uk), Head of School, Professor Mark Chaplain (mathshos@st-andrews.ac.uk), or the AVP Dean of Science and Professor in Applied Mathematics, Professor Ineke De Moortel (ineke.demoortel@st-andrews.ac.uk).

We are fully committed to equality and diversity in our recruitment and employment policies. We operate family-friendly hours for core meetings and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements for staff.

Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in Academic posts at the University.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/.

The School of Mathematics and Statistics is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that supports equality of opportunity and fair and equal representation for all https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/mathematics-statistics/about/equality-diversity/.

For full details and to apply please visit https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/6659/0/374685/889/lecturer-senior-lecturer-reader-in-solar-and-or-magnetospheric-theory-ac2326rnb

Closing Date: 28 February 2023… continue to the full article

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University of Warwick Centre for Fusion, Space and Astrophysics in the Physics Department is seeking to fill a 3-year PDRA position in solar physics.

Fixed-term contract for 36 months with a start date of 1 April 2023 (or as soon as possible thereafter).

The Department of Physics seeks to appoint a Research Fellow to work as part of a team within the Centre for Fusion, Space and Astrophysics (CFSA) to work on simulations and theory of solar active regions. Specifically, the job will involve running 3D simulations of active region coronal structure e.g., flares and unstable loops, with the aim of improving thermal transport models used in large-scale MHD simulations. The work will involve running
MHD simulations and comparing with observation, theory and previous published results. Experience at running simulations or the solar corona is essential.

More information about the position is here.

Closing date 6 March 2023… continue to the full article

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Northumbria University (Newcastle upon Tyne, UK) is advertising a “Vice-Chancellor’s Fellowship Scheme”. This is a three-year Fellowship period during which you will have a research-focussed workload which will ensure no formal scheduled teaching in Year 1; 50% of typical teaching workload in one semester in Year 2; and 50% of typical teaching workload across full year in Year 3. The Vice-Chancellor’s Fellowship Scheme aims to appoint exceptional academics to permanent appointments within the University’s areas of research excellence, which includes Solar and Space Physics. These appointments are being made at every level and so we welcome applications for Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor in the broad area of Solar and Space Physics. There is the possibility of multiple appointments.

You will join the Solar and Space Physics research group – a successful group pursuing high-international-priority research across the broad remit of Solar and Space Physics, based in the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering. Evidence of the group’s success includes funding from STFC, NERC, Leverhulme Trust, Royal Astronomical Society, the US Air Force, UKSA, and four UKRI Senior Fellows. Further information on the research group can be found here https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/academic-departments/mathematics-physics-and-electrical-engineering/research/solar-and-space-physics/

We particularly welcome hearing from applicants from historically under-represented groups.

You must have relevant subject expertise with specialist knowledge gained through research activity, professional practice or consultancy. You are expected to have a strong publication record that is commensurate with your career stage and research field. At Assistant Professor level, we are seeking a commitment to, and passion for, delivering innovative education at all levels. If you are not already experienced at lecturing, you will be supported by the University to become a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) either by portfolio or by Post-Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP). At Professor/Associate Professor level, you will assist the Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor to maintain and enhance the University’s national and international reputation in your academic field. You must demonstrate continuing academic achievement, and provide academic leadership (of your subject and associated colleagues) through active contribution to your discipline and to the life and work of the Faculty and the wider University. This will include contributing to significant change within practice, the discipline, profession and/or community at regional, national and international level. We offer all applicants full guidance on the application process.  Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Professor James McLaughlin, Head of Group, via  james.a.mclaughlin@northumbria.ac.uk

To apply for this vacancy please visit: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/university-services/human-resources/vice-chancellors-fellowship-scheme

Please state within your covering letter the research area (Solar and Space Physics) and role (Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor) you would be interested in. Deadline = 8am on Monday 6th February 2023

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. We value the diverse routes that our colleagues take to get here, and we recognize that this diversity of experience leads to stronger research, teaching and entrepreneurship. The Department is a member of the Euraxess network, which delivers information and support to professional researchers. Northumbria University has been recognized as a Disability Confident Employer, offering support and a proactive approach to employing disabled people.… continue to the full article

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A postdoc position is available at PMOD/WRC in Davos, Switzerland. The position is to work on Solar Orbiter data to understand the sources of the solar wind. We will start reviewing application in the middle of February until the position is filled. Details are here: https://jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_BrvjjIWhR0CxYPdAqf… continue to the full article

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The School of Mathematics & Physics at Queen’s University Belfast, is currently seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate to the post of Research Fellow in Solar Physics within the Astrophysics Research Centre. The successful candidate will work on the analysis and interpretation of solar flare observations from space-based observatories such as SDO, RHESSI, Solar Orbiter, GOES-R, MAVEN, and SORCE, and the potential impact of associated changes in the solar irradiance on Earth’s ionosphere. The position is funded by European Office of Aerospace Research and Development (US Air Force) and an extension will be contingent upon future funding and performance.

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate you have:
– A PhD (or equivalent) in Solar Physics, Solar Terrestrial Physics, Aeronomy, or a closely related discipline, either awarded or submitted by the time of taking up the post.
– At least 3 years’ relevant research experience in either the analysis and interpretation of solar flare observations and/or modelling, or observations/modelling of the response of planetary atmospheres to solar irradiance variability.
– A number of refereed publications and/or technical reports in the research field, commensurate with stage of career.

Application deadline is February 20th. Details can be found here: https://hrwebapp.qub.ac.uk/tlive_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?VACANCY_ID=500868IVMZ&WVID=6273090Lgx&LANG=USA or contact r.milligan@qub.ac.uk for more information.… continue to the full article

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