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Postdoctoral Fellowship in Moon Magnetosphere Interaction and Machine Learning

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) Astronomy & Astrophysics Section working with the Planetary Magnetospheres Group [dias.ie/planetary] on the topic of outer planet moon magnetosphere interaction. The Astronomy & Astrophysics Section is a vibrant and inclusive community of more than 30 researchers working on planetary science, solar physics, space weather, star formation, and high-energy astrophysics.

The Planetary Magnetospheres group work on a range of topics in the solar system. These include: (i) the exploration of Jupiter’s magnetosphere with NASA Juno, NASA Galileo and ESA JUICE, by modelling moon-magnetosphere interactions and examining  in situ fields, plasma and energetic particles and multi-wavelength auroral emissions from X-ray to radio to UV, (ii) the classification of the field and plasma environment at Mercury with data from NASA MESSENGER and looking toward to future measurements by BepiColombo, (iii) the study of solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling at Earth using radio data from orbiting spacecraft like Wind, ground-based magnetometer data and upstream solar wind monitoring. At the core of our team’s work are the highest standards in coding and data visualisation, underpinned by our community-facing approach and openness to sharing our software [https://github.com/diasplanetary] and tools/event lists [dias.ie/planetary/#magneto-software].

The successful applicant will be involved in a project to tackle the big open questions in the field of the interaction of outer planet moons, their atmospheres and plumes with the variable magnetospheric environment. The work will involve a combination of machine learning, spacecraft data analysis and modeling of plasmas, fields, atmospheres and plumes. Data will be used from spacecraft such as NASA’s Juno and Galileo missions at Jupiter. The work will be conducted in the context of the scientific preparations for upcoming missions such as JUICE (working in particular with Plasma and Radio instruments) and Europa Clipper. There is scope for scientific independence with this post, building on the prior experience and future aspirations of the successful candidate.

This position is available for 2 years in the first instance, with scope for extension, starting as soon as possible. Remuneration is based on Science Foundation Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship team member budget scales (available here) and starting salary will depend on experience. The appointee will be subject to the general Irish public sector regulations as regards annual leave, sick leave, pension entitlements etc.

Applicants need to have a PhD in space physics, computer science, or a closely related field. A good command of English is required for international applicants. Advantageous experiences include but are not limited to: spacecraft plasma and fields data analysis, modeling and machine learning in the fields of magnetospheric physics, moon magnetosphere interaction, tenuous atmospheres; as well as programming in Python.

Applications should be submitted through the DIAS online e-recruitment system by 5pm on May 17th 2024 here.

Candidates should upload as one pdf document:

§  A cover letter explaining their motivation and research interests (1 page maximum)

§  A Curriculum Vitae (2 pages maximum)

§  A list of publications

§  The names of up to 3 academic referees who may be contacted.

At DIAS, we are committed to building an inclusive scientific community, distinguished by scientific excellence, gender balance, and diversity. The DIAS Gender Equality and Inclusion Action Plan may be found here and we welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates of all genders and backgrounds. Proposals for flexible working will be considered. Applicants are welcome to include in their CV (if applicable) any career breaks, and a short statement on any impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on their scientific productivity.

Please direct any inquiries about the position to: Dr. Hans Huybrighs hans@cp.dias.ie