Postdoctoral Researcher in heliosphere modelling with 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. Crucial for progress in this field is a better understanding of heliospheric variations and their influence on the galactic cosmic ray flux coming to Earth as we presently rely on very simplified approximations in this field. The postdoctoral position will be part of the ERC project “Past Solar Storms: The links between solar storms and solar activity”. It is placed at the Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Lund University (LU), Sweden.

Work duties

The postdoctoral research project will primarily focus on numerical modelling of the heliosphere over the Holocene period and assessing the influence on galactic cosmic ray transport to Earth. More specifically this will include:

• Numerical modelling of heliosphere and astrospheres using MHD models
• Using MHD model results of the heliosphere and astrospheres as input for 3D GCR transport models.
• Establishing GCR intensities at Earth over long time scales
• Applying long-term GCR intensities as baseline for studying past solar storm activity

Outcomes will be improved solar activity reconstructions over the Holocene period and a better assessment of the baseline (galactic cosmic ray induced) radionuclide (14C, 10Be, 36Cl) production rates. This will help us to better distinguish between solar and galactic cosmic ray effects on radionuclide records from ice cores and tree rings and lead to a better assessment of past solar storms.

This position will be placed at the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at Lund  University. At the department we conduct research over a broad range of geoscience disciplines with extensive collaboration with both national and international institutions. With this collective atmosphere, we maintain a positive and stimulating work environment.

The department hosts and is surrounded by excellent infrastructure and professional staff in several support functions. Lund University is a government agency which means that you, as a postdoctoral researcher, get benefits including e.g., generous paid annual leave, and health promotion benefits.

Admission requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• A completed PhD in evolutionary in Astrophysics and Space Science, or a closely related field relevant to the position.
• Strong proficiency in quantitative methods and statistics, including programming.
• 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.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience with developing and maintaining large numerical models.
• Experience and knowledge of stochastic differential equations.
• Experience of using MHD output as input for GCR transport models
• Theoretical knowledge of particle transport in plasmas
• Documented very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment for 2 years, start date 2026-06-01 or due agreement. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a single PDF-file containing:

• CV and publication list
• A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the research project aligns with your research background and future research plans (maximum 2 pages).
• Contact information of at least two academic references.
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and any other certificates/grades/documents that should be considered 

Welcome to apply!