Postdoc in space research with the UV-detector Mini-EUSO on ISS - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The workplace

The research will be performed in the Particle- and Astroparticle Physics group of the Physics Department of KTH at AlbaNova University Center under Prof. Christer Fuglesang.

Website of the group: https://www.particle.kth.se/

Job description

Analyze data from the UV-detector Mini-EUSO on the International Space Station ISS (see https://jemeuso.riken.jp/missions/mini-euso/ and https://arxiv.org/abs/1709.00405). The detector looks down on Earth from 400 km altitude, it has 2304 pixels with a very high time resolution of 2.5 microseconds and it is sensitive for single photons in the range 300-400 nm. The space resolution at ground is around 6.5 km. Mini-EUSO started data recording in October 2019 and is expected to continue for a couple of years.

Mini-EUSO is partly a technological demonstrator for a future large experiment that will study ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECR), via their interactions with the atmosphere that create enormous particle showers, which in turn causes fluorescence and Cherenkov light in the UV-range. However, Mini-EUSO is also a unique experiment that offers several new research possibilities: atmospheric phenomena like Transient Luminous Events (TLEs), meteors and meteoroids, new limits for Strange Quark Matter (SQM) and extremely high-energy cosmic rays, marine bioluminescence and human created UV-light, make a UV-map of the Earth night-time and also determine the UV-background for future experiments. Of particular interest would be to combine data from Mini-EUSO with data from the ASIM experiment, which currently also is on ISS and is specialized for studies of TLEs.

This project is part of the large JEM-EUSO collaboration´s efforts. JEM-EUSO (Joint Experiment Mission for Extreme Universe Space Observatory) https://jemeuso.riken.jp/ has around 250 researchers from institutes in 16 countries. The candidate is expected to, at least partly, work together with several other participants in JEM-EUSO.

There is no requirement for teaching, but some teaching can be part of the job if is requested.

What we offer

• International workplace.
• A leading technical university that creates knowledge and expertise for a sustainable future.
• Here you get colleagues with high ambitions in an open, curious and dynamic environment.
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Qualifications

The candidate should hold a PhD in physics, in an area that is relevant for the analyses mentioned in the project description above.

Experience of analysis of data from some research experiment is a requirement. The applicant must be highly motivated for postdoctoral studies, possess the ability to work independently and perform critical analysis. Good communication skills in oral and written English are required. The evaluation will be based on research experience and how well the applicant fulfills the above qualifications.

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal competence and suitability.

Preferred qualifications

Having scientific skills is very important. It is also important to have shown cooperation skills, as well as independence. Educational skills are less important. It is expected that the candidate has awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality. Finally, great emphasis will be placed on personal competence and suitability.

Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH's webbpage.

Application

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Max two pages long.
• Contact information for three references

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Temporary employment for up to 2 year.

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.