Postdoctoral position in computational plasma physics

Department of Physics at Chalmers - home of the Graphene Flagship

Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and a sustainable society, the ambition of the department of Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, learning and outreach.

We provide a competitive advantage by linking our top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects.

We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials such as graphene to direct industrial projects generating new inventions.

We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering. We are situated in a stimulating and creative environment with attractive facilities located in central Gothenburg. The department is part of Gothenburg Physics Centre – a collaboration between five departments at Chalmers and Gothenburg University.

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Project description
The Plasma Theory group within the Division conducts research on acceleration and radiation generation in magnetic fusion, laser-produced and astrophysical plasmas.  We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join the Extreme Plasma Flares project, a collaboration between the Swedish Institute of Space Science (IRF), Uppsala and Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm.  Plasma flares – explosive releases of magnetic energy – play a central role in such diverse phenomena as solar flares, aurora and fusion plasmas. One of the outstanding questions is what conditions lead to the most extreme electron acceleration events, creating massive energy fluxes at highly supra-thermal, up to relativistic, energies.

The post-doctoral researcher will focus on modelling of electron acceleration resulting from magnetic reconnection in plasmas.

Information about the division and the department
The Division of Subatomic, High-Energy and Plasma Physics performs research on theoretical and experimental subatomic physics, mathematical and high-energy physics, plasma and fusion physics, as well as nuclear physics. This diversity of research topics allows us to connect fundamental questions about the particles and forces governing our Universe to energy-related research. The methods of our investigations are also diverse and complementary, and range from theory and computer simulations to experiments in subatomic physics.  

Major responsibilities
The postdoctoral project will be focused on developing theoretical and numerical models  to simulate electron acceleration from magnetic reconnection, and to apply these models analyze extreme acceleration events and determine the key underlying mechanisms for efficient acceleration. The work will be performed in close collaboration with IRF, Uppsala and KTH, Stockholm.

As a postdoctoral scientist, you are employed by Chalmers and will receive a salary according to current salary agreements.

Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. The position may also include teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Qualifications
PhD in physics is required (degree obtained before the employment begins). Excellent analytical and communication skills, both oral and written, and solid background in computational plasma physics are required. Previous experience in space plasma physics is considered as an advantage.

To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers).
The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230147 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, with complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experience
• Two references that we can contact

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other docum/ents:
• Copies of completed education, grades and other certificates

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 01-04-2023


For questions, please contact:
Prof Tünde Fülöp, Subatomic, High Energy and Plasma Physics

tunde@chalmers.se
+46 31-7723180

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***