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KU Leuven

Solar wind modelling

2024-12-02 (Europe/Brussels)
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About the employer

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

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The Centre for mathematical Plasma Astrophysics (CmPA) was founded on January 1st, 1992 and is part of the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science of the KU Leuven, Belgium. The CmPA concentrates its research on the dynamical interaction between plasmas – the fourth and most abundant state of all known matter in our universe – and magnetic fields. This interaction gives rise to a wide range of fascinating and spectacular phenomena, including all aspects of our local space weather, where magnetic activity in the solar atmosphere controls the appearance of waves, instabilities, flows, shocks, heating, and the acceleration of the solar plasma into our heliosphere. Plasma dynamics also governs planetary and stellar magnetospheric physics; the turbulent motions in accretion disks; up to the jets observed wherever stars are born or die, or the relativistic jets emerging from entire galaxies. Moreover, fundamental plasma physics governs all laboratory research conducted to realise controlled thermonuclear fusion.
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Responsibilities

The main goal of the project you will work on is the advancement of the non-equilibrium plasma theory and specific key applications by employing the Regularized Kappa Distribution (RKD) introduced recently for a realistic interpretation of suprathermal particle populations and their macroscopic implications in various astrophysical systems. The new RKD concept motivates systematic explorations of its consequences in kinetic as well as fluid theory and corresponding studies of astrophysical plasmas on small and large scales.  The research is part of a FWO WEAVE project with RUB (Bochum) and aims to develop mutually consistent theoretical kinetic and fluid approaches based on the RKD, and to validate them by applying corresponding results to non-equilibrium plasmas in the heliosphere. This validation of the theory and the modeling will be made on the basis of various spacecraft data, particularly from the recently launched missions Parker Solar Probe (NASA) and Solar Orbiter (ESA).

Profile

You have a masters degree and have completed a PHD. 
We look specifically for the following skills (the more, the better):
  • modelling of MHD plasmas and/or Maxwell equations, if possible, solar wind modelling;
  • kinetic modelling of solar wind plasmas;
  • experience with running large simulations codes on parallel computers, e.g. EUHFORIA, CHRONOS, ICARUS, or similar;
  • experience in numerical simulations, programming experience is an advantage.
The ideal candidate should be a team player that is also able to work independently and efficiently. Please notice that the project in question has deliverables and
strict deadlines, therefore the candidate is expected to be able to deliver timely both high-quality numerical results and technical documentation (reports) of his/her work.

Offer

This position is initially for 2 years as doctor assistant (grade 44), extension may be possible depending on availability of funding (not yet acquired).

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Stefaan Poedts, tel.: +32 16 32 70 23, mail: stefaan.poedts@kuleuven.be or Mr. Marian Lazar, tel.: +32 16 37 63 21, mail: marian.lazar@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Job details

Title
Solar wind modelling
Employer
Location
Oude Markt 13 Leuven, Belgium
Published
2024-11-05
Application deadline
2024-12-02 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2024-12-02 23:59 (CET)
Job type
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