Doctoral student in ice-core research with a focus on past solar activity and solar storms

Recently it was discovered that enormous solar storms have occurred in the past, but very little is known about these events in spite of their potential devastating effects on modern society. In this project we aim to push the limits of solar storm detection with indirect proxy data by measuring new high-resolution ice core radionuclide data that will serve as the basis for solar activity and solar storm reconstructions over the Holocene period. The goal is to reconstruct the solar 11-year cycle and solar storms using the newly obtained data but also by incorporating all available radionuclide data and additional information into the analysis (e.g. by using Bayesian methods). These studies will also enable us to obtain very accurate and precise time scales that are crucial for reliable paleoclimate studies. A possible additional aspect will be novel solar activity reconstructions and investigations of the linkages to climate change. The PhD position will be part of the ERC project “Past Solar Storms: The links between solar storms and solar activity”. It is placed in the Geobiosphere Science program at the Department of Geology, Lund University (LU), Sweden.

Work duties

The PhD research will primarily focus on radionuclide analyses (including lab preparations, data evaluating/interpretation and modelling) from the EGRIP ice core. The new data will be important for the detailed high-resolution reconstruction of solar activity and possible enormous solar storms in the past. The PhD student will be part of a larger research team here in Lund including experts in Bayesian statistics, climate/aerosol modelling, cosmic ray and solar particle experts. The project will also involve close interaction with associated research teams (e.g. ice core community). The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Additional requirements:

• When starting, the applicant is expected to hold a university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in subjects like Earth Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Environmental Physics, Meteorology or related areas.
• Documented very good oral and written proficiency in English.

We are looking for a creative person who thrives in a dynamic research environment. The project requires close collaboration with international researchers and the ability to work independently.

The following qualifications are an advantage, but not required:

• Documented experience in climate research, statistics, programing or geochemistry
• Experience of scientific publication in English is an asset

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Type of employment

This employment is today placed at the department of Geology. From January 1st 2026 your employment will be placed at the newly formed department of Earth and Environmental Sciences due to a planned co-organization. This will give you a unique opportunity to be a part of a dynamic development process and give you an opportunity to contribute to a new interdisciplinary department. 

Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§. Prefered startdate 2025-05-01.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.

The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate (if awarded at the time of application) or equivalent, BSc and MSc transcripts, a copy of the MSc thesis (or equivalent, or a summary if the thesis is not completed at the time of application) and other documents you wish to be considered. While we ask you to include contact information for one to three references, actual letters of recommendation are not needed at this stage. Candidates will be called for an interview before appointment.

We appreciate your interest in our position and look forward to receiving your complete application.