PhD Position in Experimental Physics with Focus on Space Weather Modeling
Umeå University, one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions, is renowned for its world-leading research and dynamic academic environment. The Department of Physics, with strong research in space physics, condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics, and theoretical physics, is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on space weather modeling and its impact on ground and power infrastructure in Sweden.
This project investigates how rapidly varying ionospheric currents drive space weather effects, producing strong variations in the ground magnetic field (dB/dt spikes), which induce geoelectric fields and telluric currents. When these currents enter the power grid, they become geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), which can cause power blackouts and pose risks to an electrified society. The research aims to improve forecasting and mitigation of space weather hazards by characterizing the coupled ionosphere–ground system, which is inherently spatiotemporal and driven by three-dimensional ionospheric currents evolving rapidly in time.
The successful candidate will join the 'Solar-Terrestrial Physics and Space Weather Group' at Umeå University, utilizing a unique time-domain model developed by the group. The project involves modeling the ionosphere-ground system, studying how ionospheric currents cause rapid changes in ground-level magnetic fields, generating geoelectric fields and telluric currents, and developing improved methods for estimating ionospheric currents from ground-based measurements. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining physics, earth science, applied mathematics, and computational methods.
Funding is provided by the Swedish Space Research School and the Department of Physics. The position is salaried according to the established doctoral student salary levels and is limited to four years full-time or up to five years with teaching and departmental duties. The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree, with participation in the research project and relevant courses. Teaching and departmental work may constitute up to 20% of the position.
Applicants must have completed a second-cycle degree or at least 240 ECTS credits (with 60 at Master’s level), or equivalent qualifications from abroad. Additionally, 120 ECTS must be within physics. Required skills include electrodynamics, scientific data analysis, and programming (Matlab, Python, C, C++). Merits include experience in space physics, plasma physics, computational physics, applied mathematics, modeling, numerical methods for partial differential equations, computational science, and scientific visualization. Good written and spoken English is mandatory. Candidates should be motivated, dedicated to research, and able to work independently and collaboratively.
To apply, submit your application via the Umeå University e-recruitment system Varbi. Required documents include a cover letter (max. 1 page), CV, certified degree certificates (translated to English or Swedish), transcripts with grades (and grading system explanation for international applicants), copies of student theses/publications (if any), and contact information for at least one reference. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format. The application deadline is May 20, 2026. For further information, contact Associate Professor Maria Hamrin at [email protected].
Join Umeå University’s vibrant research community and contribute to advancing the understanding of space weather effects on ground and infrastructure in Sweden.
