PhD student position in theoretical plasma physics

Publiceringsdatum: 2025-02-24

Det är nu möjligt för dig att få jobb som doktorand hos Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB. Vill du arbeta heltid hos Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB? Just nu letar de efter någon som vill ha en tjänst 6 månader eller längre. Platsen där jobbet finns ledigt är i Göteborg.

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB söker för närvarande efter ambitiösa individer som vill utvecklas i rollen som doktorand. Kolla in deras ledig tjänst och se om du har vad som krävs för att bli en del av deras team. Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB letar efter erfaren doktorand som kan ansluta till deras team. Sista ansökningsdag är söndag den trettionde mars 2025.

Jobbannons

Magnetic fields and particle energization in space plasmas are deeply interconnected. Fundamental questions remain about the origins of magnetic fields and the mechanisms of magnetic energy release. Addressing these challenges relies on numerical modeling, yet the multi-scale nature of these phenomena imposes limitations. By leveraging novel theoretical tools and state-of-the-art computational techniques, the doctoral project will advance our understanding of these captivating topics.

About us

Our Plasma Theory group conducts theoretical and computational research on a broad range of plasma environments, with a focus on acceleration and radiation generation in magnetic fusion, laser-produced and astrophysical plasmas. In all of these areas, we have a broad international network of collaborators.

Organizationally we are part of the division of Subatomic, High-Energy and Plasma Physics within the Department of Physics. We strive to provide a stimulating and collaborative research environment with high scientific standards.

About the research project 

This PhD project explores the generation and release of magnetic field energy in plasmas, with a special focus on improving models of interactions between large-scale (global) and small-scale (kinetic) processes. This approach will shed light on the interplay between plasma turbulence and magnetic reconnection, as well as the relationship between instabilities and the dynamo process that sustains cosmic magnetization. By combining ab initio numerical simulations with advanced fluid modeling, the project will enhance our understanding of extreme particle energization events that impact infrastructure in the near-Earth space environment and on Earth.

Who we are looking for

We seek candidates with the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in physics or a closely related subject.
• Solid background in theoretical physics.
• Experience in programming and computation.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

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The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Background in plasma physics.
• Research experience.

What you will do

• Perform theoretical and computational research and publish articles within the topic specified.
• Take courses relevant to the topic and on general and transferrable skills.
• Teaching as a teaching assistant or lab supervisor is also expected.
• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Physics.
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing.

Contract terms and what we offer

• The PhD-positions are fully funded from start
• As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• The duration of the position is four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Discover more

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here. 

Application procedure

The application should be written in English 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: CV, Family name)
• Personal letter
• Two references that we can contact
• Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.
• Documents confirming your English proficiency: e.g. TOEFL/IELTS test results, a course/project report written in English (if your bachelor’s/master’s thesis is not in English).

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

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 30 March 2025  

For questions, please contact:

István Pusztai, Associate Professor, pusztai@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application!

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