Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) within the fields of Space Physics in Modelling the Solar Wind Plasma Interaction with the Moon.

Post doctor (2 years) within the fields of Space Physics in Modelling the Solar Wind Plasma Interaction with the Moon.

The Department of Physics is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within the project of modelling the solar wind interaction with the Earth’s moon. The scholarship is full-time for two years with access October 1st, 2025 or by agreement.”   

Departmental specific information 

At the Department of Physics at Umeå University, strong and expanding research is conducted in several different research subjects, e.g., computational space physics, planetary science, organic electronics, nanotechnology, photonics, and theoretical physics. The department is part of the Chemical Biological Centre at Umeå University. We strongly focus on interdisciplinary research and excellent access to modern instrumentation and infrastructure for analysis.

Project description

Although the Moon lacks a global intrinsic magnetic field, it hosts localized regions of crustal magnetization known as magnetic anomalies. These anomalies, which are unevenly distributed across the lunar surface, display non-dipolar characteristics and can reach magnetic field strengths of several hundred nano-Tesla in certain locations. Recent studies have shown that the interaction between the solar wind and lunar magnetic anomalies presents a complex and fundamental plasma physics challenge occurring at kinetic scales. Additionally, recent observations have revealed that some magnetic anomalies are capable of reflecting or deflecting a significant portion of the incoming solar wind, forming localized “mini magnetospheres” that offer partial protection of the lunar surface from solar plasma. The main objectives of this project are to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between solar wind and lunar magnetic anomalies and to investigate how solar wind plasma precipitation contributes to surface weathering on the Moon. The duration of the project is two years, and to achieve our aims, we will employ the Amitis model (www.amitiscode.com), an advanced GPU-based hybrid-kinetic plasma simulation developed by the project leader, Dr. Fatemi. By early 2026, Lunar Vertex, part of NASA’s PRISM-1 mission, will land on the surface of the moon to unravel the mystery of the lunar crustal fields, their complex interaction with the solar wind, and their role in space weathering. Dr. Fatemi is a co-investigator of the Lunar Vertex. The stipend scholarship is for two years, financed by the Kempe Foundation for 360,000 SEK per year, and is tax-free.
 

The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to: 

- Learn about the Amitis model,
- Apply it to the solar wind interaction with lunar magnetic anomalies,
- Collaborate with the Lunar Vertex team, and expand his/her collaboration network.

Qualifications  

The ideal candidate should possess a foundational understanding of space physics and plasma interactions with planetary bodies. Demonstrated experience in conducting independent research and publishing in reputable scientific journals is essential. Proficiency in data analysis and computer programming—particularly using tools such as Python and/or MATLAB—is also required. The candidate is expected to be highly motivated, responsible, and possess strong interpersonal skills. A genuine enthusiasm for both personal scientific development and contributing to the growth of the space physics research team is important. Fluency in English is mandatory.

To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.

Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree before that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, clinical service, or similar circumstances.

Doctoral degree should be within space physics, plasma physics, or equivalent.

Application  

The application should be written in English or Swedish, and attached documents should be in Word or PDF format. The application should be registered via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi and submitted by the deadline May 30, 2025.

A full application should include:

• Cover letter stating your motivations for applying and summarizing your qualifications for the position, your previous research experience as well as your experience in the area relevant to the project (max. one page),
• Curriculum vitae (CV) without publications (max. two pages)
• Publication list sorted by publication year, and your name should be highlighted. The list should contain the authors’ list, title, journal name, year, and preferably an http link to the published article.
• Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
• Copy of doctoral thesis,
• Up to three published articles relevant to the topic of the project or related to space physics.
• Verified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,
• Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim,
• Contact information to two persons willing to act as reference

Further information 

For further information, contact Dr. Shahab Fatemi, shahab.fatemi@umu.se.

We look forward to receiving your application!