Research Fellow in Space Plasma Physics

Research Fellow in Space Plasma Physics

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.