PhD fellowship in solar physics (Solar ALMA project)

A PhD research fellow position is available at the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, Norway, for a period of up to 4 years, with 25 % compulsory work. The preferred starting date is September 1st, 2017 (alternative starting date negotiable).

The position is connected to the project "ALMA – The key to the Sun’s coronal heating problem" (SolarALMA), which is funded with a Consolidator Grant by the European Research Council (ERC). The aim is to utilize the first regular observations of the Sun with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), which promises significant steps towards understanding the outer layers of the solar atmosphere with possible contributions to solving the coronal heating problem. The chosen approach combines solar observations with ALMA and other ground-based and space-borne telescopes, novel diagnostic tools and state-of-the-art 3D numerical simulations of the solar atmosphere. ALMA observing time has already been granted in connection with the project.

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.The successful candidate will contribute to the SolarALMA project and will work as part of the ERC-funded team on observational and/or numerical modelling aspects. The thesis topic can be adjusted depending on the background and interests of the selected candidate.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must hold (or soon hold) a Master's of Science degree or equivalent in astrophysics, astronomy or space sciences or a related discipline. Candidates without a Master's degree have to complete the final exam by June 30th, 2017.
• We seek a candidate with a background preferably in solar / stellar physics or radio astronomy.
• Experience with 2D/3D numerical simulations and/or the analysis of observations incl. the handling of large data sets is advantageous.
• Programming skills and experience with CASA, Python, IDL and/or C++ are considered an asset.
• The candidate must be highly self-driven and able to take responsibility for her/his own work, including troubleshooting and acquiring additional skills required to reach the project goals while collaborating with the team.
• A good command of English is required.

Salary: Position code 1017, Salary: NOK 432 700 – 489 300  per year ( pay grade 50 - 57), depending on qualifications and seniority.

Online applications only (see link).

Deadline: January 31, 2017.

Reference number: 2016/13291