Research Fellow in Space Plasma Physics

Full Time Fixed Term (2 years)

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in the area of space plasma physics, in the Space Environment Physics group at the University of Southampton. You should have a PhD or equivalent professional qualification in space plasma physics or another relevant research area*.The successful candidate will work on a project studying the impact of solar wind transients on the transition layer of Earth’s bow shock, including how they drive magnetic reconnection and how they contribute to re-partition of the energy. The candidate will be exploring these fundamental shock processes with hybrid and fully kinetic particle-in-cell plasma simulations using the University of Southampton’s Iridis 5 supercomputing cluster. They will also seek supporting observations from NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale mission. The position is funded by Dr Imogen Gingell’s Royal Society University Research Fellowship. This is a fixed-term position available for up to 24 months.

The Space Environment Physics group forms part of the Astronomy group at Southampton. The two groups have wide-ranging international collaborations involving large ground-based facilities (e.g. EISCAT, SuperDARN, LSST, 4MOST) and space missions (Cluster, MMS, THEMIS, INTEGRAL, NuStar, Astrosat). The Space Environment Physics group also has a strong interest in auroral observations; we have state-of-the-art optical instruments situated in the Arctic, which are used to study magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions. We are part of the School of Physics & Astronomy; 100% of the school’s research was rated world leading or internationally excellent for its impact on society in the last Research Excellence Framework, and the University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities. As a school, we are committed to all of our staff achieving a healthy work-life balance, with flexible working hours and onsite childcare facilities. Committed to tackling gender inequality, we are Athena SWAN silver award recognised. We are particularly determined to address the under-representation of women in Physics and Astronomy, so we are delighted to have been awarded Project Juno Champion status. With a generous benefits package that includes a contributory pension scheme, competitive holiday allowance, subsidised health and fitness facilities, a cycle-to-work scheme and a range of discounts, this is a place where you are sure to excel.

The salary is in the range £35,880- £43,878 per annum, and is dependent on experience.

The post is available immediately.

Informal inquiries are very welcome, and should be directed to:

Dr Imogen Gingell (i.l.gingell@soton.ac.uk).

The position is funded by Dr Imogen Gingell’s Royal Society University Research Fellowship. This is a fixed-term position due to funding restrictions.

*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Useful links:

Physics & Astronomy at Southampton http://www.phys.soton.ac.uk

Research at Southampton http://www.phys.soton.ac.uk/research

Space Environment Physics http://space.soton.ac.uk

Further details:

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who supports our mission of inclusivity.

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